$53.8m Stanwell Power Station overhaul to create jobs for QLD

A $53.8 million investment will allocated for a series of major projects for the Stanwell Power Station, located west of Rockhampton, which will be carried out over the next year.

According to Queensland Energy Minister Mark Bailey, the projects will include $24.3 million for major overhauls and $14.4 million for a control system upgrade, with some smaller projects as well. Mr Bailey also said that this investment is another example of the State Government’s commitment to creating a robust and secure energy system, with the works to provide a significant boost to the Central Queensland economy.

“Two of the four Stanwell Power Station units will be overhauled in the next 12 months. An overhaul of Unit 3 will commence next week and Unit 4 is scheduled to begin in June 2018,” the Minister said.

Mr Bailey said that approximately 60 contract companies are involved in providing services to for the overhauls, which many of them are based locally.

“These companies will provide electrical services, cranes, hydraulic work, and high-pressure cleaning, providing benefits for the local economy this year and next year.

“Local businesses will also be providing accommodation, catering and transport for workers while these projects progress,” Mr Bailey said.

According to Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne, from the 53.8 million allocated for the Stanwell Power Station overhaul works, up to $11 million will be injected into the local economy.

“Stanwell Power Station is one of the most efficient coal-fired power stations in Australia. Overhauls maintain the power station’s efficiency, which means coal use and emissions are maintained at minimum levels.

“The power station overhauls are large-scale engineering projects that maintain the reliability, efficiency and safety of electricity generation units,” Mr Byrne said.

Mr Byrne added that the current control system at the power station is nearing the end of its operational life and this much needed overhaul will extend its life by up to another 15 years.

Source: Queensland Government