Tarong Power Station’s upcoming $36.2 million Unit 2 overhaul is set to inject a much-needed boost into the South Burnett’s hospitality, accommodation and tourism sectors.
Tarong power stations Acting Site Manager, David Janes, said ensuring the safety of the 550 overhaul contractors, Tarong Power Station workforce and the entire South Burnett community was the site’s primary focus in the lead up to the overhaul.
“Almost 90 per cent of our overhaul workforce are from within Queensland, mainly from local rural and regional areas,” Mr Janes said.
“The overhaul attracts contractors to fill a range of roles including welding and boiler making, mechanical and electrical trades, technical engineering specialists, riggers, scaffolders and cleaners.
“This work will deliver an important economic injection to the region, when it’s needed most.”
Stanwell is working closely with Queensland Health to implement a COVID-19 safety plan, as a small number of highly skilled, specialist, interstate workers will be required for the overhaul.
Every generating unit in every power station in the National Electricity Market is required by law to undergo a regular, scheduled maintenance overhaul. This overhaul is critical to ensure the reliable supply of electricity over the coming summer period.
Mr Janes said Stanwell had undertaken rigorous planning to ensure the safety of employees, contractors and community members whilst the power station undertakes this statutory maintenance.
“We have already introduced a range of safety measures to our site, including thermographic cameras to check workers’ body temperatures on their arrival, additional cleaning, and detailed physical distancing and hygiene campaigns.”
Tarong Power Station’s Unit 2 overhaul will commence 12 September and continue until 1 November 2020.
More information on the overhaul can be found via Stanwell’s website.