Queensland Energy Minister Stephen Robertson has officially opened ENERGEX’s $9.5 million logistics facility at Larapinta in Brisbane’s south.

 

Mr Robertson said the Southern Distribution Centre was designed and located to provide the electricity company with optimal logistics support south of the Brisbane River.

 

“The 43,000 square metre facility is situated within Larapinta’s Radius Industrial City precinct,” Mr Robertson said.

 

“The sheer size of this facility is indicative of the scale of the electricity network that ENERGEX maintains and operates in South East Queensland.

 

“The new depot houses $40 million in equipment and spares, such as electricity poles and wires and was constructed to replace ENERGEX’s former logistics depot at Beenleigh and cable storage property at Pinkenba.

 

“During construction, the equivalent of more than two Olympic-sized swimming pools of concrete was poured on the site.

 

“As well as storage space, the facility boasts 1,000 square metres of undercover workshop and office space and will be home to a crew of 20 ENERGEX staff.”

 

Ms Struthers welcomed ENERGEX to the Radius Industrial City precinct in Larapinta.

 

“After operating from its southern operations depot at Beenleigh for many decades, ENERGEX gradually outgrew those original facilities,” Ms Struthers said.

 

“Moving to this greenfield heavy industrial estate in the Algester electorate is a win for ENERGEX and residents alike as it moves the company’s crucial operations facility away from homes and small businesses.

 

“The new depot is in a purpose-built estate allowing ENERGEX crews to work around the clock, if required, during severe weather and other electrical emergencies without disturbing neighbouring properties.

 

“The new location also offers convenient and direct access to the Logan Motorway and is in close proximity to major arterial roads including the Gateway Motorway and the Pacific, Warrego and Cunningham Highways.”

 

Mr Robertson said this was ENERGEX’s second large logistics facility launched in South East Queensland this financial year, with the Northern Distribution Centre at Eagle Farm officially opened in December 2011. A third facility will be built at Yandina on the Sunshine Coast during 2012.