Powerlink Queensland is investing $16 million to ensure the continued reliable electricity supply to support growth in the Sunshine Coast region.
Works are underway to refit Powerlink's existing Palmwoods to Woolooga transmission line and replace secondary systems at the Palmwoods Substation.
Powerlink Acting Chief Executive Kevin Kehl said the transmission projects highlighted Powerlink's proactive approach to maintaining network safety and reliability at the lowest long run cost to customers.
"The 90 kilometre-long Palmwoods to Woolooga transmission line has been in service for more than 45 years. Our crews are currently refitting more than 200 transmission towers to replace ageing insulators and steel work to extend the line’s technical service life for more than 20 years," Mr Kehl said.
"Helicopters may be used in locations where access to towers is constrained to reduce impacts on nearby properties.
"Our crews will conduct these essential activities with as little disruption as possible to landholders and the community. All project works will also comply with rigorous environmental management requirements.
"In addition, crews will replace secondary systems equipment at our Palmwoods Substation to ensure we continue to operate our network safely and reliability.
"Secondary systems are the control, protection and communications equipment that operates the transmission network safely and reliably, and prevents damage to physical plant in the substation such as transformers."
Works for the Palmwoods to Woolooga transmission line refit project are expected to be completed by July 2019, while the Palmwoods Substation secondary systems replacement project is scheduled from mid-2019 to mid-2021 (depending on weather).
