When Stanwell’s Mica Creek Power Station was retired earlier this year, it was the end of one chapter and the start of another for our Power Systems Electrical Tradesperson, Jon Barritt.
After working at Mica Creek for two-and-a-half years as an Electrical and Instrumentation Technician, and living in Mount Isa for more than 10 years, Jon took the opportunity to be redeployed to Stanwell Power Station, near Rockhampton – around 1,500 kilometres away.
Jon said he had fond memories of the 60-year-old gas fired site and team at Mica Creek Power Station – which was once relied on for decades as Mount Isa’s sole power source.
“I really loved my time working at Mica Creek, as the site had such a long and strong history in the region,” he said.
“I learned a lot about power generation, especially working at such a special power station.
“It also taught me a lot about teamwork – we had a small team there, but even in challenging times we were able to pull together to achieve some pretty impressive accomplishments. I am very proud to say that I worked at Mica Creek Power Station”
Now based at Stanwell Power Station, near Rockhampton, Jon has happily adjusted to the new setup following the move east.
“Every move has its ups and downs, but overall, our trip down was pretty stress free,” he said.
“It’s been great getting to know my new colleagues and to see the same Stanwell cultural values on site – everyone’s been really helpful and welcoming.
“My wife and I feel pretty lucky. We’re now living by the coast in Yeppoon – there are certainly worst places to be!”
Mica Creek Power Station was placed into cold storage on 1 January 2021. Three people remain on site in maintenance roles as guardians of the site, and several others have been redeployed across Stanwell’s Brisbane head office, Stanwell Power Station near Rockhampton and our Tarong power stations in the South Burnett.