Powerlink is planning for an additional transmission line between the Calvale Substation (near Callide Power Station) and the Calliope River Substation (near Gladstone). The project will reinforce electricity supply to the Gladstone region, and increase network capacity and reliability to service the growing renewable energy industry in this area.
At 87km long, the new double circuit 275kV transmission line will mostly be co-located in an existing double-width easement, beside the existing 132kV and 275kV transmission lines. However, there is approximately 16km between Bracewell and East End, where easement widening is required.
This project is in the planning phase. It is divided into five sections (A, B, C, D and E). All sections, except for Section C, have a vacant easement beside the existing transmission line. While the easement is vacant, it is not cleared, and some vegetation removal will be required across all sections, subject to planning and environmental approvals.
‘Co-location’ is when transmission lines are built side-by-side. In the right circumstances, it can have several benefits compared to separate corridors.
This includes restricting vegetation clearing to one corridor, avoiding further vegetation fragmentation. A co-located corridor also occupies less land than separate corridors. For landholders, it means only one access track is required, lowering biosecurity risks and limiting land-use impacts to one part of the property.
Powerlink has published a Draft Corridor Selection Report (Draft CSR) for the project. The report was developed based on desktop and field studies, and over 12 months of consultation with stakeholders, Traditional owner groups and landholders whose properties are directly impacted.
You are invited to provide comments on the Draft CSR before 5pm on Friday 12 July 2024. See how you can get involved below.
For Sections A, B, D and E, the Draft CSR includes an opportunities and constraints assessment to investigate the suitability of using existing Powerlink easements to construct the new transmission line. In summary, the report found that the existing spare transmission easements offered the least impact when compared to a new, greenfield corridor and will be subject to further detailed studies and approvals.
The existing easement in Section C requires widening for the new transmission line, and the Draft CSR considers two options – one north and one south of the existing transmission line infrastructure. The report found that social and environmental factors were similar for both options. However, a key difference was the potential construction impacts on network reliability and security. It was identified that temporary network outages required to facilitate construction activities would be significantly less impactful under the northern option.
Powerlink is therefore proposing the recommended corridor for Section C is to the north of the existing transmission line infrastructure.
Powerlink is committed to ongoing genuine and timely engagement to ensure we deliver positive outcomes for landholders, Traditional Owner groups, local communities, other stakeholders and the environment where our transmission infrastructure is located.
If you have any questions about the Calvale to Calliope River Transmission Line Reinforcement Project, or would like to provide your feedback on the Draft CSR, please contact us before 5pm on Friday 12 July 2024, by:
Landholders along the recommended corridor are also welcome to contact their Landholder Relations Advisor to ask questions or provide feedback. Please refer to contact details on the right of this page.
Visit our project team at these local venues to provide your feedback or ask questions about this project. Please come any time. There is no presentation or theatre-style seating.
| Tuesday 2 July | 11am-2pm | Biloela Civic Centre – Supper Room 96 Rainbow Street, Biloela |
| Wednesday 3 July | 10am-1pm | Mount Larcom Hall 47 Raglan Street, Mt Larcom |
| Wednesday 3 July | 3pm-5.30pm | Gladstone City Library – Meeting Room 39 Goondoon Street Gladstone |
| Thursday 4 July | 9am-12pm | Gladstone Centre Plaza (outside Jay Jays) Philip Street, West Gladstone |
For safety and operational reasons, Powerlink must ensure clear access to and around our transmission lines. We try to minimise environmental impacts and only remove vegetation when absolutely necessary. Any impacts must be managed in accordance with state and federal legislation.
Environmental approvals are required for this project to appropriately manage vegetation clearing along the alignment. The project extends through different environments and terrain, mostly comprising rural land used for grazing.
However, it will also traverse some areas of State Forest and Conservation Park, and Calliope River Substation is located within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Powerlink will seek environmental approval from the Australian Government under the EPBC Act. Powerlink has commenced consultation with Traditional Owners and other stakeholder groups on cultural values and heritage impacts.
In March 2024, the Queensland Government released the Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Roadmap, to guide long-term regional planning and coordination for renewable energy. It outlines the process for declaring and developing REZs in Queensland, to ensure the right mix of energy technologies, in the right location.
The REZ Roadmap identifies a potential REZ for the Calliope region. For further information about the REZ Roadmap please visit the Department of Energy and Public Works.
Central
Transmission Lines
Easement
In Progress
