Construction work begins on Cairns to Townsville SuperGrid link, Minister addresses Convention Centre delay

Construction work is underway on a new energy grid link between the Far North’s major cities designed to boost injection of renewables, but the Minister had business to attend to while in Cairns.

The Far North is due for a major energy upgrade, with construction starting on a new 275kV coastal transition line between Cairns and Townsville.

Queensland’s energy and public works minister Mick de Brenni was able to wear both his hats in Cairns today as he planned to address the Convention Centre project delay, shortly after announcing a $40m investment in FNQ’s “SuperGrid” link.

“This includes upgrades to four sub stations and enhancing a second 275kV powerline between Cairns and Townsville,” Mr de Brenni said.

Minister Energy Mick de Brenni announced a $40m investment into Cairns energy grid. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

“It was like having a highway and a back road to get power up to this region. What we’re delivering is effectively two significant highways.

“That creates extraordinary resilience in terms of severe weather events. That means Far North Queenslanders will be able to look forward to more reliable electricity no matter what the circumstances are.”

Mr De Brenni said the project has created about 50 trades jobs and, once completed, will mean an additional 500MW capacity will be added to the North Queensland renewable energy zone.

“That means we’re able to deliver cleaner, more affordable power to the state through the Queensland SuperGrid, which is the largest intrastate energy transmission system anywhere in the country,” he said.

“We know this economy is so reliant on the Great Barrier Reef and the beautiful rainforest that surrounds this region. Hundreds of thousands of tourists bring many millions of dollars to this community to see those natural assets and they’re at risk because of climate change. Our energy and jobs plan takes real action on climate change.

Cairns MP Michael Healy praises the $40m investment into the Far North's energy grid. Picture: Supplied

“I want to congratulate the local team here for seeing this project through. They advised me today they expect the upgrades to be completed by 2024. It’s already connecting to the Mount Emerald and Kaban wind farms.”

Mr de Brenni said despite the end to the ephemeral cost of living rebate, the Queensland Government remains committed to reducing power bills.

“The single most important thing we can do to reduce the costs of energy for Queenslanders is transition to a system that isn’t exposed to those volatile fossil fuel markets globally,” he said.

Cairns MP Michael Healy heaped praise on the announcement.

Minister Energy Mick de Brenni with Cairns MP Michael Healy and workers at Woree's Powerlink Substation. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

“The investment is absolutely fundamental to our ongoing need. This is the expectation of the community, to have cleaner and better energy. This is an investment in that,” Mr Healy said.

Mr de Brenni then donned his public works cap, saying he was about to meet with Lendlease leadership over the frustrating delays to the Cairns Convention Centre expansion project.

“They were contracted … to deliver this project on time and on budget. It is late, we’re not satisfied with that,” he said.

“The causes of the delays are … mainly we have seen not enough labour applied to that project.

“I’ll be looking for reassurance from them.”

Mr de Brenni said unions were not responsible for the delays.

“The union has been entirely cooperative on this project,” he said.

“The reason this project wasn’t completed in August … is because the company delivering it hasn’t put enough effort in to making sure they’ve had enough tradespeople.

“They should have had over 180 tradespeople a day on this project and they haven’t been able to meet that.”

Originally published as Construction work begins on Cairns to Townsville SuperGrid link, Minister addresses Convention Centre delay