Growth has brought forward the need for a new Riverbend substation by about 11 years, with Energex warning the existing network could otherwise fail to meet its reliability obligations.
Energex lodged an application for the 33/11-kilovolt Jimboomba West Zone Substation at 2–12 and 14 Glynton Road.
Its planning report said the project was needed to support southern Logan’s continued growth.
“The development is needed to increase network capacity, maintain electricity supply reliability, support major residential and employment growth, and enable the timely connection of emerging industrial, commercial and infrastructure projects,” the report said.
The Jimboomba, North Maclean and Logan Village network supplies about 22,900 customers across southern Logan.
Studies conducted in 2011 indicated another substation would be needed around 2039.
Energex said accelerated residential development and commitments from major industrial, commercial and utility projects had brought that need forward.
“Subsequent commitments from major industrial, commercial and utility developments within the Jimboomba supply area have brought forward the need for additional network capacity,” the report said.
“This growth is increasing demand on the existing Jimboomba network and reducing the available backup capacity needed to maintain supply during faults, outages or maintenance events.”
Many of those developments are expected to require electricity by July 2028, although the report does not identify that as the substation’s opening date.
Energex said postponing the project was no longer viable.
“Deferring the delivery of the Jimboomba West Substation was determined to be neither technically nor economically efficient,” the report said.
It also warned of the consequences if the network was not upgraded.
“Without appropriate augmentation works, Energex’s existing network would be unable to maintain [its] service and reliability obligations required under its Distribution Authority,” the report said.
Plans include two transformers and six lightning-protection masts reaching 16.7 metres. The facility would operate remotely without regular staff or customer activity.
Construction would remove 69 native trees from the mapped biodiversity corridor.
Energex proposes retaining 480 trees, planting 153, rehabilitating about 1.13 hectares and installing 20 nest boxes.
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