A secure and reliable power supply for the north

Townsville: The Bligh Government is investing heavily in new electricity infrastructure and power upgrades to give homes and businesses in North Queensland a secure and reliable power supply.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson told an energy forum in Townsville today that the demand for power in Queensland was growing at a faster rate than all other states in the National Electricity Market.

“We’re looking beyond the horizon and planning for the future. Our government-owned corporations, Powerlink and Ergon Energy, are getting on with the job of building and maintaining the network so that people who live and work here have a reliable and secure power supply,” Mr Wilson said.

“Powerlink is investing $590 million over four years on its network and that includes a $450 million investment to reinforce the transmission line capacity into the region.

“The effect of all this work means we’re lowering the wholesale cost of energy in the north,” Mr Wilson said.

Minister Wilson said Origin Energy was developing a new generation project at Mt Stuart which would boost the region’s electricity capacity by an extra 126 megawatts.

“We’re also looking after small businesses and households in regional Queensland,” he said.

Mr Wilson said last year the State Government gave small businesses and households more than $600 million to subsidise the cost of their electricity bills.

“That’s on average, around $1,000 for a household or small business a year. They would be paying around $1,000 more for their electricity if they didn’t get our subsidy,” he said.

“This is all about making sure homes and small businesses have access to affordable electricity no matter where they live.

“We’re also investing around $15 million into our Solar Cities initiative. We’re transforming Magnetic Island into a truly solar suburb,” he said.

Under the initiative, more than 500 residents and businesses are registered for a free energy assessment, as well as the opportunity to host solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their roof, at no personal cost to them.

“It’s an exciting project. Households and businesses on Magnetic Island are helping to create a blueprint for future sustainable energy use.

“It’s about tackling climate change and Magnetic Islanders can feel proud of their efforts in helping us work towards a cleaner, greener energy future for Queensland,” he said.

Minister Wilson said the Bligh Government was also looking to the long-term future energy needs of North West Queensland.

“We’ve had a number of meetings with key stakeholders which could lead to new generation facilities to meet the long-term energy needs of this important region,” he said.

Mr Wilson said the Bligh Government’s Toward Q2 vision was looking to a stronger, greener, smarter, healthier and fairer Queensland.

“We’re looking beyond the boom towards investment in low emissions coal; supporting gas as a transitional fuel source; boosting support for renewable energy sources and technologies; and pursuing energy efficiency across residential, commercial and government sectors,” he said.

Any new coal-fired power station built in the state must use low emission coal technologies.

“Our new Office of Clean Energy will spearhead the drive for the development and uptake of renewable energy in Queensland.

“It’s Towards Q2 at its smartest. Our main goal is to reduce Queensland’s carbon footprint to pave the way for a cleaner, greener energy future for all Queenslanders,” he said.

“Make no mistake. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing Queensland and the world. We must all play a part in tackling climate change and one thing is undeniable: whatever we do from now on, it can no longer be business as usual.

“We all have a role to play and we must do it together – with industry, scientists, the community and all levels of government. We owe it to future generations,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819