Major investment in state’s electricity network

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson told State Parliament today that the Bligh Government led the field in responsible economic management.

“We’ve invested heavily in long term planning for the state’s electricity network from the tip of the Cape to Coolangatta,” Mr Wilson said.

“We’re delivering vital electricity infrastructure to households and businesses across the state. We’re looking beyond the horizon and planning for the future.

“Our government-owned corporations have got the message that Queensland under Premier Anna Bligh is rock solid, leading each and every Queenslander on a responsible economic path to the future.

“Powerlink, our government-owned corporation, is investing more than $450 million to boost the high voltage transmission network between Central Queensland and North Queensland.

“We’ve built a new $120 million high voltage transmission line between Middle Ridge and Greenbank to meet the growing demand for power in south east Queensland, particularly in Logan and on the Gold Coast.

“And it doesn’t stop there. We’re building a new $40 million high-voltage transmission line to meet the growing demand for power on the Sunshine Coast.

“We’ve delivered a major new line from Nebo to the Pioneer Valley. It’s our $60 million plus investment in the people who live and work there.

“We’ve just completed a $90 million transmission line from Tully to Innisfail.

“Right across the state we’re delivering a secure and reliable electricity supply for all Queenslanders.

“Old Joh used to count the cranes on the skyline. Today, Queenslanders can count on a Bligh Government.

Energex and Ergon Energy are spending billions of dollars on their electricity networks. Energex is spending more than $4.4 billion over five years and Ergon is spending $3.2 billion over the same period.

“We’re delivering a massive boost to the electricity network right across Queensland,” Mr Wilson said.

“We’re the second largest energy industry in the country and the fastest growing,” he said.

“When the Coalition last had control of the electricity network, they were reckless and left Queenslanders in the dark for four whole days.

“Today, the Nats and the Libs are at loggerheads over whether to privatise electricity generators.

“Yesterday, the Liberal National Party deputy leader ruled it in, ruled it out, and ruled it in again.

“As we know, the LNP stands for Look No Policy – they haven’t got any, because they simply can’t agree.

“And while they go hammer and tongs at each other, the Bligh Government is getting on with the job of responsible economic management,” Mr Wilson said.

Media Inquiries: Minister’s Office 3225 1819