Powerful upgrades for St Andrews Hospital

Power supply to Wickham Terrace’s medical specialist strip and surrounding area will be boosted with a $2.2 million upgrade to electricity supplies to the St Andrews Hospital in Spring Hill, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

Mr Wilson said the upgrade, which would also benefit surrounding suburbs, was designed to cater for the anticipated increased energy requirements from the hospital’s upcoming expansion.

The project includes installing new underground electricity cables along North Street and Bradley Street near the St Andrews Hospital and along Wickham Terrace, Gregory Terrace and Bowen Bridge Road.

“As with any growth in essential services, the redevelopment of the St Andrews Hospital will result in an increased demand for electricity,” he said.

“The Bligh Government is committed to delivering safe and reliable power throughout South East Queensland, especially to essential services such as hospitals, so this upgrade to the St Andrews Hospital is a priority for us.”

Member for Brisbane Central Grace Grace said the upgrade would ensure the area’s growing demands for power were met in future.

"The State Government and Energex are committed to providing a reliable electricity network in the booming inner Brisbane City area," Ms Grace said.

“The increased capacity resulting from this upgrade will not only cater for the hospital’s expansion but provide security of supply for homes and businesses in the surrounding suburbs for years to come.”

Ms Grace said importantly, the upgrade would improve supplies to some of the businesses operating along Wickham Terrace.

Some road closures, heavy vehicle movement, noise and excavations will occur while the work is being completed.

On behalf of Energex, Ms Grace thanked locals and motorists for their patience during the necessary upgrade, and assured customers that disruptions would be kept to a minimum.

The project is expected to be completed by October, weather permitting.

The project is part of a record $4 billion-plus five-year capital expenditure program currently being undertaken by Energex. In the 2008-09 financial year Energex is investing around $830 million on upgrades to its electricity network while a further $340 million-plus has been set aside to maintain and operate the network – an overall average of more than $3 million a day.

Media inquiries: Caroline Kaurila 3224 7332.