Energex invests $45m in Gold Coast infrastructure

substation

Energex will invest more than $45 million upgrading infrastructure on the Gold Coast in the next five years to support growth in the tourism hotspot and events, including next month’s Commonwealth Games.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the investment in the region would ensure a secure and reliable network during the Games and beyond 2018, with substations to be upgraded at Bundall, Labrador, Miami and Palm Beach.

“Security and reliability of the network is Energex’s number one priority right across South East Queensland and these upgrades align with the growth in one of our premier tourism and event destinations, the Gold Coast,” Dr Lynham said.

“When you consider nearly 7000 athletes and team officials, 15,000 volunteers and more than an estimated 650,000 visitors will visit the region, there will be considerably more than usual activity on the network during that fortnight.

“Beyond that, the tourism boost anticipated on the back of holding an event as big as the Commonwealth Games also has been factored into the investment we are making to upgrade the network.

“The works will extend beyond the cables and powerlines supplying the Games facilities themselves and will also incorporate upgrades in the main hospitality and entertainment precinct of Surfers Paradise.”

Energex manager for network operations systems and resilience Keiron Walsh said the four substations would undergo major upgrades as part of the capital spend, which would directly benefit more than 35,000 customers.

“Some of the substations are using equipment which is nearing the end of its service life and needs to be replaced, while others will also be brought into line with the Gold Coast City Council’s Q100 flood recommendations,” he said.

“Once complete the upgrades will increase capacity to the Gold Coast’s power grid in addition to allowing for future domestic and commercial growth.

“These substation works also will enhance the amenity of each of the sites with modern architectural designs.”

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