Ergon Energy powers up for Toowoomba’s future

Civil works to upgrade to the North Toowoomba Substation have started and the project will include the construction of two new modular substation switch room buildings and two 32MVA transformers.

Earthworks and boring a 3.6km underground power route from the North Toowoomba substation to supply the new Toowoomba Hospital is well underway.

Energy Queensland Chief Operating Officer Jeff Green said the complexity of the project required close collaboration with a range of agencies.

“We’ve been working with the Toowoomba Regional Council on everything from vegetation clearing to understanding where their underground services are located along the route we’re taking to the hospital,” Mr Green said.

“There’s a rail corridor, a waterway and roads that give access to a number of shopping centres and residential suburbs that we’ve had to plan around as well, so it’s been really important to ensure really clear communication and engagement with Queensland Rail, Transport and Main Roads and local businesses and residents as well.”

The project will not only provide a dedicated power supply for the new Toowoomba Hospital, it will also shore up future growth in residential and commercial developments.

The existing North Toowoomba substation provides power supply for about 7,300 customers – the upgrade will more than double that capacity to supply the new Toowoomba Hospital and accommodate future growth equivalent to an additional 15,000 homes.

The project is currently scheduled for completion in 2028 with a temporary supply arrangement to support the Hospital’s construction from 2027.

View an update from Project Manager Gary McMillan.