Tarong overhaul pumps up South Burnett economy

A $36.2 million overhaul at Tarong Power Station will see a peak workforce of more than 500 pump millions of dollars into the South Burnett region from next month.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said today that the two-month overhaul of Unit 2 was part of the power station’s regular maintenance works, bringing extra workers on site in addition to the station’s permanent workforce as the world deals with the impacts of the global coronavirus pandemic.

“Queensland’s publicly-owned energy companies are playing a central role in Queensland’s economy plan for recovery,” Dr Lynham said.

“They are supplying affordable and reliable power during these unprecedented times, and also investing in infrastructure and creating jobs to support our COVID-19 road to recovery plan.

“This overhaul will mean work for more than 30 South Burnett locals, as well as other workers bringing in all the flow-on benefits to local accommodation and hospitality providers, as well as the transport industry.

“Our publicly owned energy companies forecast a spend of around $1.8 billion this financial year, supporting nearly 4000 jobs.”

Dr Lynham said Tarong Power Station’s publicly-owned operator, Stanwell Corp, would be putting in place COVID-safe measures to ensure the health safety of all the workers and the local community.

A combined $110 million worth of maintenance works is also progressing at two central Queensland power stations: Stanwell Power Station outside Rockhampton and CS Energy’s Callide Power Station near Biloela.

“Together these projects are supporting work for around 200 contractors and 150 local jobs,” he said.

“That’s Queenslanders’ energy assets helping rebuild the economy and deliver on Queensland’s plan to unite and recover from COVID-19.”

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Media inquiries:  Jan Martin 0439 341 314