$7 million of critical equipment has been replaced by Powerlink at a major Townsville substation, with the project securing power supply for North Queensland businesses.
Queensland Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni, said the Dan Gleeson Substation is a major electricity injection point in Townsville’s transmission network, directly supplying the south-western suburbs.
“Our investment underpins safe and reliable electricity supply to 120,000 households and businesses in the region for years to come,” Mr de Brenni said.
“Replacing the substation’s aging equipment gives Powerlink crews greater capability to respond to unexpected network outages, giving businesses confidence in their power supply, which equals confidence to grow.”
Member for Thuringowa, Aaron Harper, said the crucial project had supported 19 jobs.
“This $7 million investment is providing power to keep the aircon cold, the eftpos machines connected and the lights on in places like the Willows Shopping Centre,” Mr Harper said.
“What this means is support for hundreds of retail and hospitality jobs in our area.”
Mr de Brenni said this investment demonstrated the Queensland Government’s continued focus on planning for the future, with $2.2 billion in electricity capital works this financial year, combined with continued lower prices.
“The new Dan Gleeson Substation was delivered four months ahead of schedule and under budget, safeguarding the transmission network’s performance during the most demanding summer months,” Mr de Brenni said.
Powerlink Chief Executive, Paul Simshauser, said construction works were delivered in several stages to avoid impacts to customers.
“The project was meticulously planned and executed with all works safely completed in accordance with rigorous COVID-19 requirements,” Mr Simshauser said.
“In addition to on-site works, the project also involved delivery and installation of a new 14m control building, which plays a vital role in securely housing the new secondary systems equipment.
“This project highlights Powerlink’s commitment to maintaining safety and reliability at the lowest long-run cost to our customers and stakeholders, by avoiding or delaying the need for new infrastructure.”
