The damage assessment on ten transmission towers on Powerlink’s network in Central Queensland points to flooding as the cause.
Chief Executive Merryn York said Powerlink’s engineering experts had reviewed the extensive damage to the towers.
“Their assessment links the initial cause to a local creek near Broadsound flooding in this week’s ongoing severe weather, severely impacting the foundations of one tower and causing it to fall,” Ms York said.
“This fallen tower then had a cascading effect on neighbouring towers on a section of transmission line between Powerlink’s Nebo and Broadsound substations. This has led to extensive damage to our network in this area.
Based on the configuration of Powerlink’s 275kV network in this area, there are no current electricity supply impacts, nor do we anticipate any impacts. We can continue to provide secure supply to Central and North Queensland via other feeders.
“We have crews attending the site today to undertake safety and condition assessments before further crews commence work to allow the transmission circuit to be returned to service.
“Please assume that all downed wires are live. For safety reasons, it is critical you stay away. If you come across a downed powerline, contact 000.”
Powerlink will keep the community informed on its Facebook (#PowerlinkQld) https://www.facebook.com/PowerlinkQld/ and Twitter (@powerlinkqld) https://twitter.com/powerlinkqld accounts as the situation develops and the impact of the cyclone is better understood.
