Ergon Energy will build new powerlines to important Cairns health facilities and Cairns Airport over the next four months as part of two separate projects worth around $3.6 million.
The first of the two projects will deliver a new underground supply from Ergon’s Cairns North Substation in Manoora to a nearby health clinic on Arthur Street and also connecting to Cairns Airport.
Along with the immediate benefits of better security of supply to the clinic and airport, the works will also reduce demand on the Kamerunga bulk supply point and allow better flexibility for future growth and emergency restoration.
These works are expected to begin by mid-September.
Meanwhile Ergon will build a direct supply feeder – known as an “express” feeder – later this year to Cairns Base Hospital. Also originating at the Cairns North Substation, this new underground cable will cater for increased demand at the upgraded hospital site and significantly higher security of supply.
“While the new feeder to the Cairns Base Hospital has been primarily driven by redevelopment at the site, it will also deliver reliability benefits for the hospital, the Cairns CBD and inner city customers,” explained Acting Manager Regional Services Graham Lynes.
“Our investment in building the Cairns North Substation in 2009 is really paying dividends for the city in terms of catering for these types of new feeders and freeing-up capacity on the network,” Mr Lynes said.
The Cairns Base Hospital express feeder project is scheduled to begin in November.
