Queensland powers ahead with electricity infrastructure

Queensland government-owned electricity network companies invested more than $2.8 billion in 2007-08 to meet the state’s growing electricity needs, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

Mr Wilson has tabled in State Parliament annual reports of the six government-owned energy corporations: Energex, Ergon Energy, Powerlink Queensland, CS Energy, Stanwell Corporation and Tarong Energy.

”Electricity demand in Queensland continues to grow at a rate outpacing all other states in the National Electricity Market,” Mr Wilson said.

“We are looking over the horizon to meet this demand being driven by Queensland’s strong economic growth, resource and industrial developments and population growth.

“That’s why government-owned electricity network businesses invested $2.8 billion in 2007-08 to upgrade and maintain Queensland’s vast electricity networks.

“For example, Energex invested more than $956.7 million to improve and maintain its electricity network in South East Queensland.

“Ergon Energy invested more than $1.12 billion on its capital works and maintenance program across regional and rural Queensland.

“Powerlink Queensland invested a record $743.3 million to upgrade and maintain its transmission network during the past financial year.

“Powerlink expects to invest a further $2.9 billion over the next five years; making this the largest capital program ever undertaken in the electricity transmission sector in Australia.”

Mr Wilson said other highlights of the annual reports include:

·The opening of CS Energy’s $1.2 billion Kogan Creek Power Station and mine, adding 750 megawatts to the National Electricity Market,

·Delivery of the Western Corridor Recycled Water pipeline to Swanbank and the Tarong and Tarong North power stations; ensuring they can continue to generate even during severe drought periods,

·Tarong Energy’s purchase of the Meandu mine and Kunioon coal resource; securing a long-term fuel source for the Tarong and Tarong North power stations, and

·Stanwell Corporation’s $19 million major overhaul of Unit 1 at Stanwell Power Station and a $10 million upgrade of the power supply distribution systems at Kareeya Hydro in north Queensland, which will deliver long-term plant reliability and safety improvements.

Media inquiries: Minister’s office 3225 1819.