Gladstone powers ahead

Almost $40 million is being spent to boost power supplies to one of the state’s biggest coal export terminals, the RG Tanna terminal in Gladstone, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

Minister Wilson is in Gladstone with Premier Anna Bligh, her Cabinet Ministers and heads of government departments for the Bligh Government’s Community Cabinet meeting.

“It’s about bridging the gap between George Street, Brisbane and George Street, Gladstone,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity for the state’s key decision makers to talk face to face with the local community, and to listen and learn about local issues.

“One of those issues is a secure and reliable power supply. We’re planning and building now to meet the future power needs of the people who live and work here in Gladstone,” he said.

Minister Wilson today inspected progress on a major power project nearing completion that will boost the electricity capacity of the port precinct and the city.

Ergon Energy is working on a major upgrade of the Clinton substation, linking it to the newly built Gladstone North substation.

“Ultimately this project will give Gladstone a second bulk supply point from the state’s electricity grid and that means a bigger, more reliable and more secure power supply for the region,” he said.

“It means Ergon Energy will be able to meet the future power needs of Gladstone well into the future,” he said.

The power project is expected to fully commissioned by May next year.

“The Gladstone region is powering ahead and the Bligh Government is backing it all the way with a major boost to power supplies.

“We’re looking after the power needs of local industry as well as homes and businesses so that Gladstone will continue to power ahead with a secure and reliable electricity supply," Mr Wilson said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819