Queensland's new $22 million Powerlink substation has been completed, with the State Government lauding the completion of the project which will supply power to the State's fastest growing regions.

 

“In particular, it will ensure a reliable high voltage electricity supply for the fast-developing, Surat Basin where future electricity demand is expected to match that of the entire Gold Coast,” State Energy Minister Stephen Robertson said.

 

“Electricity demand is continuing to increase in Southern Queensland as a result of economic development and ongoing population growth."

 

“The Western Downs Substation is the first stage of a major community infrastructure project to support the electricity needs of this growing region."

 

Mr Robertson said the second stage of the community infrastructure project includes the construction of a 275kV transmission line to connect the new Western Downs Substation to the new Halys Substation, near Tarong, in the South Burnett.

 

“The construction of this line is well advanced and is expected to be in service by summer 2012/13,” Mr Robertson said.