Mackay city is now better prepared to face major weather events with the official opening of the new flood-resistant Mackay City Substation, located at Tennyson Street. The $28 million substation is designed to withstand a one in 200-year flood event, providing greater resilience to the region.
This significant project includes the installation of two new transformers, a control room, operating switchgear, and power cables. The substation has been successfully electrically commissioned, resulting in improved quality and reliability of electricity supply for homes and businesses in Mackay.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the new Mackay City Substation will support around 4,600 customers with the capacity to cater for the future needs of the CBD, including the newly developed and planned tourism and entertainment precinct on the riverfront.
“Based on build back better principles and past experiences such as the impact of the 1971 floods on Tennyson Street, the new substation is designed to withstand a one in 200-year flood event,” she said.
“This is a complex project which has taken time to design, construct and commission, but the community will reap the benefits of the new substation for many years to come.”
Ergon is continuing its work at the site, which involves the recovery of old underground cables and conduit, demolition of the old substation, and the construction of a new car park.
The energy resilience of the Mackay region will also receive an additional boost with the announcement of a new network-connected battery set to be installed adjacent to Ergon's substation on Peachs Road, Marion South. This 4MW / 8 MWh battery is part of the second stage of Energy Queensland's local network-connected batteries project, which aims to deploy 12 new batteries in communities across the state.
The battery's purpose is to store excess renewable energy generated by solar PV systems during the day and release it during the evening when electricity demand typically surges. This initiative contributes to a more sustainable and reliable energy supply for the region.
Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said that infrastructure like the substation and battery are vital parts of getting Mackay ready for Queensland’s supergrid.
“A reliable power grid that is built to deal with increased renewable energy electricity generation will mean more resilient businesses, with greater capacity for industrial growth,” he said.
At the official substation opening in Mackay, Treasurer Dick said the Marian South battery will capture solar power from rooftops west of Mackay, returning it to the grid when the sun goes down.
“That puts downward pressure on electricity bills to help local residents better deal with the cost of living.”
Construction of the battery is planned to commence in 2024.
Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick joined Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert and Ergon Energy Area Manager Daniel Werthenbach to officially open Mackay City’s new substation on Tennyson Street. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
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