Powerlink has recently published a ‘Project Specification Consultation Report’ to address maintaining reliability of supply to the Rockhampton area.

The Egans Hill to Rockhampton transmission line is a 132kV double circuit line commissioned in 1963 that forms part of the connection between Powerlink’s Bouldercombe and Rockhampton substations. It provides a critical link into the Rockhampton Substation which is a major injection point for the Rockhampton and surrounding area distribution network.

The line is nearing the end of its technical service life, with the majority of structures exhibiting signs of degradation.  Specifically, loss of the galvanising on members, the onset of early corrosion to nuts, bolts and hardware, and the decay of grillage foundations, all increase the risk of mechanical failure of components of the transmission line, particularly in storm and cyclonic conditions.

Powerlink has identified four credible network options to address the risks to supply arising from the ageing transmission line between Egans Hill and Rockhampton. All options involve a combination of life extension followed by a single or staged rebuild of the entire line by either December 2030 or December 2044.    

Indicative capital costs are between $30.51m and $37.33m in 2018/19 prices.

In accordance with the requirements of the Rules, a summary of the Project Specification Consultation Report is made available on the AEMO website. A copy of the ‘Project Specification Consultation Report’ can be obtained from the Powerlink Website on the RIT-T Consultations page or by emailing networkassessments@powerlink.com.au .

Submissions on the Project Specification Consultation Report are required by the closing date of 24 December 2018.

Any enquiries in the first instance should be directed to:

Roger Smith
Manager Network and Alternate Solutions
Powerlink Queensland
PO Box 1193
VIRGINIA, QLD 4014

Tel: (+617) 3860 2328

• Summary of Project Specification Consultation Report (190 KB, pdf)