The high voltage electricity supply in Far North Queensland has been given a powerful boost with the completion of a new $95 million transmission line project by Powerlink Queensland.
Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said Powerlink had recently completed on-ground construction activities and commissioning of the new transmission line between Innisfail and Edmonton, which replaced the 50 year old 132kV transmission line between those two towns.
“This powerline will help ensure reliable electricity supply to Far North Queensland and has the capability to be operated at 275kV in the future as electricity demand increases,” Mr Pitt said.
“The new powerline was required to replace the previous high voltage powerline between Innisfail and Edmonton which had operated for almost 50 years in a tropical environment and was nearing the end of its economic life.
“The investment being made by Powerlink in the State’s high voltage electricity network demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring essential infrastructure meets the community’s needs for a reliable electricity supply that is delivered in a timely manner to underpin the region’s future prosperity,” Mr Pitt said.
Powerlink Chief Executive Gordon Jardine said Powerlink had also recently implemented a Community Benefits Program (CBP) in association with the new transmission line.
“Seventeen community groups have shared in around $106,000 of funding to enable them to undertake worthwhile community projects in the region,” Mr Jardine said.
The projects funded as part of the CBP include constructing a storage shed at the Babinda Community Kindergarten, re-roofing the Queensland Country Women’s Association hall at Deeral, purchasing a fridge and freezer for the Etty Bay Surf Lifesaving clubhouse, and establishing a natural resource management library for the Russell Landcare group.
Mr Jardine said, “In undertaking this CBP, Powerlink looks forward to making a positive and lasting contribution towards local services and facilities, and delivering environmental outcomes for community members in the Cairns and Cassowary Coast areas.
“We would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding during the construction of this important project which will increase the reliability and efficiency of Far North Queensland’s electricity supply.”
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