A $37 million program of works underway by Powerlink in the Gin Gin area is set to support 95 jobs and ensure the ongoing safe, cost effective and reliable operation of the region’s electricity transmission network.
Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said Powerlink had now reached the halfway milestone in delivering a $33 million rebuild of its 50-year-old Gin Gin Substation, and started work on a $4 million project to replace insulators on the line between Gin Gin and Woolooga substations.
“These projects support 95 jobs and secure an ongoing reliable electricity supply for major centres including Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Gympie,” Dr Lynham said.
“The transmission network in the Wide Bay area plays an important role in linking the south-east and Central Queensland, and supporting the area’s industrial, agriculture and tourism sectors.
“Powerlink’s commitment to delivering these projects highlights the importance of cost-effectively meeting the future energy needs of both the community and industry.”
Long term project
Powerlink Interim Chief Executive Kevin Kehl said the rebuild of Gin Gin Substation was a long-term project involving the replacement of major equipment.
“Starting in early 2018, this project involves replacing 275kV and 132kV switchyard primary equipment, and reinforcing gantry footings using a specialised micropiling technique,” Mr Kehl said.
“The rebuild is being conducted within the existing substation footprint and involves decommissioning a range of aged equipment, installing new equipment and reconfiguring the network to ensure it meets contemporary needs now and into the future.
“Project works have been meticulously planned to deliver key activities in stages to ensure ongoing security and reliability during construction.”
Mr Kehl said an associated project to replace 1,260 insulator strings and steelwork on 332 transmission towers between Powerlink’s Gin Gin and Woolooga substations had also commenced.
“Built in 1982, the 150 kilometre-long transmission line plays a critical role in transferring power across the Wide Bay region,” Mr Kehl said.
“This project ensures the transmission line will continue to operate reliably for its remaining service life.
“Innovative work practices are being used to replace the ageing insulators while the 275kV transmission line remains fully energised, or ‘live’.
“This method minimises potential impacts on our customers by avoiding the need for planned outages on the network.”
Cr Honor welcomes projects in Gin Gin area
Cr Wayne Honor welcomed the works on both projects by Powerlink.
“The Australian Energy Regulators have highlighted Gin Gin as an area of opportunity and it’s great to see this work being done,” Cr Honor said.
“As Gin Gin and surrounding areas grow so does electricity demand and it’s good to see the investment in this infrastructure.
“The rebuild on the Gin Gin Substation and replacement of insulators on the line between Gin Gin and Wooloolga substations by Powerlink will both help ensure electricity supply can keep up with future growth of our area.”
The Gin Gin Substation rebuild project is scheduled for completion in late 2021, while works to replace insulators on the Gin Gin to Woolooga transmission line are expected to continue until mid 2020, weather dependent.
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