Construction is underway on more than $120 million worth of electrical infrastructure works to ensure the Sunshine Coast can meet its energy needs.
Works are being performed by the state-owned corporations Energex and Powerlink to provide reliable electricity supply to the region.
The project to build Energex’s more than $100 million 132 kilovolt powerline between Powerlink’s Palmwoods substation and the West Maroochydore substation has significantly advanced, with works beginning on a $16 million project to replace the secondary systems at the Palmwoods Substation.
Powerlink’s 90-kilometre-long Palmwoods to Woolooga transmission line is also underway.
The projects have supported 36 jobs and created a further 12.
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Queensland Energy Minister Anthony Lynham said the infrastructure was necessary to keep up with the Coast’s growth.
“The Sunshine Coast is about to see a number of major projects roll out including the SunCentral CBD, airport extension, health precinct development and new master-planned communities, many of which were discussed when the State Government was on the coast for its Governing from the Regions program,” he said.
“A safe, reliable, affordable energy supply underpins economic growth, jobs and business opportunities.
“And Queenslanders know that they can rely on their electricity transmission and distribution systems because they remain owned by Queenslanders.”
Works for the Palmwoods to Woolooga transmission line refit project are expected to be completed by July 2019, with the Palmwoods Substation secondary systems replacement project scheduled from mid 2019 to mid 2021.
Secondary system includes the control, protection and communications equipment needed to operate the transmission network safely and prevent damage to the physical plant in the substation.
Powerlink Acting Chief Executive Kevin Kehl said transmission line had been in service for more than 45 years.
“Our crews are currently refitting more than 200 transmission towers to replace ageing insulators and steel work to extend the line’s technical service life for more than 20 years,” he said.
Energy Queensland’s Head of Corporate Strategy and Executive General Manager for Asset Safety and Performance Peter Price said Energex’s project was being built to keep up with the significant investment, development and rapid growth planned for the Sunshine Coast.
“Energex’s SunCoast project is crucial for the future safety and reliability of electricity supply in this whole region,” he said.