Powerlink, a government-owned company that operates and maintains electricity transmission networks in Australia, has completed the A$15 million upgrade of the Woree substation south of Cairns.

The upgrade will help to ensure that a reliable supply of high-voltage electricity continues to be maintained to the far north of Queensland into the future.

Geoff Wilson, Queensland's minister for mines and energy, said that work to install a new transformer at the substation, and more than double the capacity of an existing high voltage transmission line, started in late 2006. "The project was completed ahead of schedule at the end of October," Wilson said.

"The new transformer which has been installed at the Woree substation will convert electricity from Powerlink's high capacity transmission network down to a lower voltage suitable for distribution via Ergon Energy's network," he continued.

Simon Bartlett, COO of Powerlink Queensland, said that the upgrade of the Woree substation required detailed planning and execution, and showcased the focus and dedication of the Powerlink and Ergon Energy teams tnat worked on the project.