• $90 million planned overhaul of Tarong Power Station’s Unit 3 underway to support affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for Queensland.

• Investment forms part of Electricity Maintenance Guarantee, helping maintain the reliability of critical generation assets.

• Major maintenance project will support jobs and provide $10 million boost to the South Burnett economy.

A $90 million planned overhaul of the Tarong Power Station’s Unit 3 is underway, as part of Stanwell’s year-round maintenance program supporting the continued delivery of affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity for Queensland.

The overhaul, which commenced on 21 August, will see additional contractors work alongside Stanwell’s Tarong Power Station workforce over the coming months to deliver critical maintenance activities that will strengthen the safety, performance and long-term reliability of the generating unit.

General Manager Southern Generation Mick Joy said each unit at the Tarong power stations undergoes a major overhaul every four years.

“This regular maintenance schedule helps ensure the Tarong power stations continue operating safely and efficiently, supporting the reliability and availability needed to meet Queensland’s energy needs,” Mr Joy said.

“Following the completion of Unit 1 earlier this year, our teams and contractors are now delivering another significant program of work with the overhaul of Unit 3 underway.

“Major overhauls are a planned and essential part of operating a power station safely and reliably, helping ensure our generating assets continue to perform when Queensland needs them most.

“The work includes detailed inspections, maintenance, refurbishment and replacement of plant and equipment to support the safe, efficient and reliable operation of Unit 3 for years to come.”

Mr Joy said delivering the overhaul requires hundreds of skilled workers working together to safely complete complex maintenance activities.

“Around 500 additional tradespeople and technical contractors are needed during each overhaul, including electricians, boilermakers, riggers, fitters and welders.

“This temporary increase in workforce reflects the scale of the critical maintenance program and the specialist capability required to complete the work while Unit 3 is offline.

“Safety remains our highest priority, and our employees, contractors and service providers are focused on delivering the overhaul safely and successfully.”

Mr Joy said the overhaul would also support businesses and suppliers across the South Burnett region.

“Major overhauls not only help maintain reliable electricity generation, they also deliver important benefits for the communities that support our operations.

“Each overhaul contributes around $10 million to the local economy through local procurement and increased spending across accommodation, hospitality, transport and other services.

“Stanwell has been part of the South Burnett community for decades and we're proud that investments in maintaining our assets also support local businesses, jobs and regional economic activity.”

The Unit 3 overhaul supports Stanwell’s commitments under the Queensland Government’s Electricity Maintenance Guarantee by delivering planned, disciplined maintenance that keeps existing generation assets safe, reliable and available while Queensland’s future energy portfolio is built.

Stanwell’s coal-fired generating assets remain a critical part of Queensland’s energy system, with the Tarong and Stanwell power stations producing around a third of the state’s energy needs.