Good things come in threes for Gympie

The opening of a multi-million dollar depot, new fire-fighting equipment and the handover of a building to local schools were three good reasons why Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson was in Gympie today.

“It’s a big day for Gympie and a big day for Energex,” Minister Wilson said.

Minister Wilson said Energex had donated two new purpose-built trailers to the Gympie rural firies to help the local heroes carry more equipment.

“These bright yellow trailers are just in time for the upcoming fire season,” Mr Wilson said.

Minister Wilson said the $6,000 donation was another example of the close relationship between Energex and the North Coast Region.

“Each year Energex donates more than a million dollars towards the health and well-being of the Cooloola and Sunshine Coast communities,” Mr Wilson said.

“Take the community rescue helicopter. Many people associate the rescue chopper with Energex, but there’s a lot happening behind the scenes that they don’t know about, such as the Energex staff who help out on a wide range of local community events,” he said.

Minister Wilson said local education had also been given a boost with Energex handing over one of its buildings to a co-operative of Gympie schools.

“The building will be used by local teachers as a classroom to teach students practical life skills and provide prospective directions for their future.

Minister Wilson, who handed the keys to local educators at today’s event, said the handover was a symbol of the strong partnership between Energex and the local community,” he said.

And Mr Wilson said the opening of the new multi-million Energex depot in Gympie would provide job security for local workers.

51 employees will work out of the new facility. It will provide Energex with a larger base from which to restore power after wild weather.

Mr Wilson said the new depot was a sign of confidence in the region.

“You just have to drive a minute down the road to see how much the area is expanding and it’s up to utilities such as Energex to grow with the town. There are now 51 staff working from this building - double the number of staff assigned here just three years ago.

“This new depot will help Energex staff carry out their jobs in a larger, safer environment,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819