Community Notice
March 2016
Powerlink
has provided me with information regarding Powerlink Queensland's Algester to Runcorn Transmission
Line Refit Project, which will involve works on the existing high voltage electricity transmission
towers between the Algester and Runcorn substations (see attached map) between April and June 2016.
These activities will not result in any planned electricity outages.
The towers, which were built in 1971, require
this maintenance to ensure the safe, reliable and cost effective supply of high voltage electricity
across the Brisbane metropolitan area. The line is a key part of our transmission network, which
transports high voltage electricity generated at major power stations to Energex's distribution network.
As well as working closely with landholders nearest to
the project, Powerlink is committed to providing broader community updates about the works.
Overview of work
A refit project
extends the life of existing towers, avoiding or delaying the need for new infrastructure. Refitting
towers is a cost-effective solution to ensure the network continues to reliably support existing
and future network demand.
This project involves refitting
18 towers. Construction activities may include:
-
restoring
and/or upgrading access tracks
-
minor foundation strengthening
works where required
-
checking and replacing any corroded nuts,
bolts and steelwork
-
re-installing or upgrading earthing systems
-
cleaning, surface preparation and hand painting of towers
-
replacing insulators or other transmission line hardware
-
replacing tower signs and anti-climbing barriers.
Powerlink staff and contractors will generally take up to six
days to complete the tasks required at each tower. The project team will work in various locations
along the transmission line between April and June 2016, weather permitting.
To minimise inconvenience to local residents and businesses, normal working hours will be
restricted to 6.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday. If we need to manage traffic flows near towers
at certain times we will also communicate this to nearby residents.
Our Land Access Protocol (LAP) outlines the standards and commitments Powerlink and its
representatives will adhere to when accessing properties to carry out our activities. The LAP can
be viewed at www.powerlink.com.au (go to 'Landholders & Property').
Minimising potential impacts
Powerlink is committed to safely managing
potential impacts associated with these works. All refit activities will be undertaken in accordance
with rigorous environmental management requirements, which outline how potential environmental and
social impacts will be minimised and managed. As outlined, the project involves painting the towers.
This requires the surface to be washed with high pressure water to remove any debris and salt. Where
the surface has degraded, a garnet grit is included in the water jet to remove rust and leave clean
steel. The garnet is a natural, non-toxic and safe material (commonly used by the building, energy
and maritime industries) and there are guidelines around its use and capture that Powerlink will
adhere to. Tower painting is done by hand to reduce the likelihood of paint drifting from the immediate
area.
You will notice work crews, machinery and vehicles near our towers to safely complete this work.
There may also be increased noise levels from the equipment being used at the pre-painting and surface
preparation stage. As with all of our activities, care will be taken to minimise any disturbance.
Our environmental management requirements will ensure this preparation only occurs in favourable
weather conditions, is regularly monitored and the immediate area is protected.
Further information
If you would like more information about this
project, please contact the Powerlink representative listed below or alternatively visit our website
at www.powerlink.com.au (go to 'Projects' > 'South East').
Bernie Jefferies
Senior
Landholder Relations Advisor
Phone 07 3866 1966
bjefferies@powerlink.com.au
About Powerlink Queensland:
Powerlink is a State Government Owned
Corporation, which owns, develops, operates and maintains the high voltage electricity transmission
network that extends 1700km from north of Cairns to the New SouthWales border. Find out more about Powerlink:
www.powerlink.com.au (go to 'About Powerlink').
