A Queensland power transmission company is on the hunt for local businesses, who employ locals, to help deliver the state's newest transmission project to supply renewable electricity to North Queensland.
Powerlink Queensland will soon start work to deliver the grid connection for Genex's Clean Energy Hub, with construction on the 186km line from Mount Fox to Kidston connection set to commence in the north from 2022.
The company will be hosting a virtual contractor briefing alongside principal contractor UGL on Monday, August 9 from 5.30pm to 7pm.
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni encouraged businesses from Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook and Townsville regions to take advantage of the Government's Buy Queensland procurement approach and join the forum.
"A key part of our COVID-19 economic recovery plan is Queensland Government investment in renewable energy and the local jobs that come with it," Mr de Brenni said.
"For Genex's Clean Energy Hub to safely and efficiently provide clean energy to the North, we're looking for a range of trades and professions to support construction of the new transmission line.
"From road building to vegetation management, all the way down to snake bite training, it's going to take entire towns to get these 340 towers off the ground to connect this 186km line from Mount Fox to Kidston."
Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper, Townsville, applauded the training opportunities for those wanting to work on Queensland's renewable energy revolution that this project will offer.
"I'm pleased that Principal Contractor UGL will create opportunities for apprentices and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers on this project, consistent with our Buy Queensland procurement approach," Mr Harper said.
"Construction of this new 275kV transmission line from Mount Fox to Kidston really marks a new era of transmission for North Queensland and the job opportunities that come with it.
"Our $147 million investment will support publicly-owned Powerlink to build the transmission line and create 400 local jobs in the process, which is terrific news for North Queensland.
"Over the next five years the Palaszczuk government will be delivering $700 million worth of transmission work in north Queensland as more renewable generators connect into our network, bringing us closer to 50 per cent renewables by 2030."
Powerlink Chief Executive Paul Simshauser said Powerlink was dedicated to working with UGL to maximise local employment and procurement opportunities wherever possible.
"With construction expected to begin in the first half of 2022, we are keen to start the conversation with local businesses on ways they could support the project," Mr Simshauser said.
"We hope to talk to north Queenslanders in person later this year once the situation with COVID-19 is more stable."
UGL's Managing Director Doug Moss said UGL was looking forward to engaging with local contractors, suppliers and employees.
"This contractor and supplier briefing is a fantastic opportunity for local vendors to get to know UGL and for us to meet with them, albeit virtually for now. We're committed to engaging with local contractors, suppliers and employees to help deliver this critical infrastructure for the region," Mr Moss said.
"We'll provide information about the types of contracts we'll be looking to award, and how we can help potential suppliers and vendors in preparing for the tender process."
- Local businesses interested in learning more about opportunities to become involved in the Genex Kidston connection project can register to attend the virtual contractor briefing by visiting www.powerlink.com.au/genex.
