Powerlink Queensland is set to invest $34million in its transmission network in Queensland’s Whitsunday region to improve network performance.
The project involves refit works along the 76km Collinsville to Proserpine transmission line, which supplies high voltage electricity to Collinsville, Proserpine and the broader Whitsunday region.
Powerlink Chief Executive Merryn York said this major investment would support more than 90 jobs and help sustain the Whitsunday region’s economy.
“Powerlink plays an important role in powering the Queensland economy, being responsible for the reliable supply of electricity to homes and businesses across the state,” Ms York said.
“The $34million investment will support the Whitsunday region’s economy – one of Queensland’s major tourism hubs – by further improving the network reliability in the region.”
The existing transmission line was originally built in 1967 and condition assessments identified a number of components that needed to be refitted.
“The proposed works are considered to be the most cost efficient solution to meet Powerlink’s ongoing network and reliability requirements,” Ms York said.
“The focus will be on replacing worn components, painting towers where required and installing new insulators on more than 190 towers along the line.”
Landholders have been advised of the upcoming works and Powerlink is committed to working closely with local communities to ensure its activities are completed with minimal disruption.
Work will commence in mid-2016, with project completion expected by late 2018.