Bowen powers ahead with electricity upgrade

The booming Bowen region will continue to buzz with a major power boost planned for the area, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

The $80 million-plus Powerlink electricity upgrade project, which includes a new substation and high-voltage power line, was recently given the green light.

Mr Wilson said the project, which will start next year, would underpin the future development of the Bowen region, including the planned expansion of the Abbot Point Coal Terminal.

“Mining is booming in Central Queensland and the Bligh Government is backing it all the way,” Mr Wilson said.

“It’s the backbone of the region’s strong economy. But we’re looking beyond the horizon, beyond the boom and building now, for tomorrow, so that Bowen can continue to enjoy the economic good times.”

The project includes a new high-voltage substation near Merinda and a new 72 km high-voltage transmission line to connect the new substation to Powerlink’s existing Strathmore substation near Collinsville.

Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the project would meet the energy needs of the growing Bowen region for many years to come.

“We are ensuring communities like Bowen, which is enjoying an economic and industrial boom, have the power they need to manage significant growth and future electricity demands,” Ms Jarratt said.

“The Bowen region is becoming a powerhouse for the Central Queensland mining industry, and it is essential that the region and its industries have a reliable and secure high voltage electricity supply to sustain growth now, and into the future.

“The flow-on effects will see more jobs and opportunities for locals, and an influx of new residents taking advantage of the boom,” Ms Jarratt said.

Mr Wilson said a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment for the project had been undertaken over the past two years in consultation with stakeholders and potentially affected landowners.

“The Final Environmental Impact Statement – or EIS – for the project has now been completed by the environmental consultants. The EIS identifies any social, economic and environmental impacts of the project, and the mitigation strategies that will be implemented to minimise any identified impacts.”

Mr Wilson said Powerlink was finalising the processes to resume the necessary easements for the new line and obtain the remaining approvals to enable construction to start.

“Powerlink will continue to work closely with landowners and the local community during the upcoming construction phase.”

Construction is expected to be completed by the summer of 2010/11.

For more information, contact 1800 635 369 or visit www.powerlink.com.au (Projects in My Area/North).

Media contact: Minister’s office 3224 7332.