Power upgrades for Cape York and Torres Strait

A $5 million commitment has been announced to maintain Ergon Energy’s diesel power stations on Cape York and in the Torres Strait this financial year.

Generators at some of Ergon’s remote power stations, including in Aurukun and on Mer Island, will be replaced at a combined cost of approximately $3 million.

Maintenance on the fuel tanker unloading points throughout the Torres Strait will also be undertaken at a cost of almost $2 million.

Minister for Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Mark Furner visited Mer Island on Wednesday while in Far North Queensland for Governing for the Regions week.

Mr Furner said the projects are vital to ensure a reliable electricity supply to residential and commercial properties in remote communities.

“Aurukun power station supplies 400 customers from several generating sets, some of which are coming to the end of their economic lives,” Mr Furner said.

“Some of the generators are almost 10 years old and have provided reliable 24/7 power to the community, but like all assets they need to be upgraded over time to ensure continuous power supply to the community.

“On the eastern fringe of the Torres Strait, the island of Mer is home to Ergon’s most remote diesel power station.

“Three aging generators that are reaching the end of their collective economic life will be replaced.

“The generators supply 150 customers and will be replaced one by one to ensure no interruption to local power supply.”

The funding for the projects is part of Ergon Energy’s $787 million capital works program while its parent company Energy Queensland has a capital expenditure program of $1,412 million for 2017-18.

The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing a safe, secure and highly reliable electricity supply to all Queensland customers that is both cost effective and dependable.

Media Contacts: Minister’s office – Brock Taylor 0427 018 178; Ergon Energy – John Fowler 0417 283 713.