VMR And Ergon Urge Boaties To Be Aware Of Powerlines

Ergon Energy and the Voluntary Marine Rescue (VMR) have joined forces to remind boaties of overhead powerlines and submarine power cables crossing waterways.

The call comes after dozens of anchors were removed from just one electricity cable crossing between the mainland and Bribie Island last summer.

Ergon Area Manager Kevin Lavender said, “Last summer, in just one morning, commercial divers removed 27 anchors and hundreds of metres of rope from around just one short Moreton Bay cable and was a stark reminder that boaties were still anchoring over the clearly marked electricity infrastructure,” Mr Lavender said.

“These powerlines and cables crossing rivers and estuaries are charged with up to 132,000 volts of electricity and power tens of thousands of homes and such high voltage can make any accidental contact deadly, so I am pleading with boaties to keep a clear visual while on the water.”

Volunteer Marine Rescue Mackay public relations volunteer Daryl Howland said there were a few ‘no anchor’ spots and locations with overhead wires along the Pioneer River to be aware of.

“The overhead danger is predominantly for ‘trailer sailer’ boats where skippers can forget to take their masts down,” he said.

“Although not common due to being tidal and not ideal for sailing, the River Street boat ramp also has overhead wires to be aware of.”

Mr Howland added that the one to be most aware of in the Mackay and Isaac region is the Port of Airlie which has overhead wires.

If boaties do find themselves in any difficulty they’re urged to phone Triple Zero and ask for police, who will dispatch the closest rescue vessel, or contact their local VMR or Coast Guard via phone or two-way radio.

Mackay Voluntary Marine Rescue (VMR) vessel Mastermyne Rescue 5. Image: VMR Mackay

Be aware of signs indicating danger. Image supplied: Ergon Energy

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