Powerlink Queensland has completed a $10 million project to ensure reliable and cost-effective supply of electricity to the Townsville region.
The project involved replacing 3.8km of parallel transmission lines located alongside Dalrymple Road in Garbutt, Currajong, Gulliver and Heatley with a single transmission line.
Powerlink chief executive Merryn York said the project was strategically planned to meet Townsville’s longer-term needs, taking into account potential road upgrades and aviation authority requirements for infrastructure heights near Townsville Airport.
“This transmission line plays a critical role in North Queensland’s electricity network and supports local industry, businesses and tourism in Townsville,” Ms York said.
“The original transmission lines were nearly 60 years old and nearing the end of their technical service life.
“The smooth completion of this project will deliver ongoing benefits for many years to come.”
The project involved removing 20 aged transmission towers and replacing them with 12 new steel poles, delivering improved visual amenity in the local area.
“This was a complex project to deliver due to the transmission line’s close proximity to nearby residents, businesses and Dalrymple Road,” she said.
“We worked closely with landholders and stakeholders to ensure the project was delivered safely and efficiently, with minimal impacts to the local community.”
Ms York said Powerlink was partnering with Townsville City Council to deliver a community and environmental initiative in response to this important construction project.
“This greening program will enhance visual amenity along Darlymple Road and provide more habitat for local wildlife, while promoting water efficiency,” she said.
“Together we will plant 1750 drought-tolerant native trees. We will be hosting a number of community plantings in the near future, when weather conditions are optimal.
“All seedlings will be bore-watered and nurtured as part of an ongoing maintenance program to encourage strong growth rates into the future.”
