SES Assists Ergon In Flooded Tower Access Operation

Burdekin State Emergency Service volunteers were called into action earlier this month to help Ergon Energy reach a flooded work site at Mt Surround after road access was cut.

Burdekin SES was contacted after floodwaters blocked access to one of Ergon’s transmission towers.

“With all the rain we had earlier, the dam had overflowed and the road they normally use was flooded,” Burdekin SES Local Controller Warren Francis said.

“The only way they could access the tower was by boat.”

Mr Francis visited the site on Friday, February 6, to assess conditions and determine whether assistance was possible. After deeming the area safe, SES flood boat crews were deployed on Tuesday, February 10, and Thursday, February 12, to transport Ergon personnel and their equipment to the tower site.

The team ferried workers to the site, where essential maintenance was carried out over two days with the support of a helicopter.

“It’s critical infrastructure,” Mr Francis said.

“It supplies the mill at Giru and all residents, and goes back up as far as Townsville.

“The community needs to be really grateful for the work Ergon puts in. We’re very grateful that they’re in our community to be able to maintain our lifestyle with electricity.”

Despite challenging conditions, including extreme heat and humidity, the operation was completed successfully.

Mr Francis praised the dedication of his volunteer crew.

“It was extremely hot, extremely humid. It was just reassuring to see the quality of what the SES guys put in. It makes you proud to be part of this community,” he said.

Ergon Energy expressed its sincere gratitude to the SES for their timely support, which enabled the project to be completed efficiently and without unnecessary delay.

Burdekin State Emergency Service volunteers were called into action earlier this month to help Ergon Energy reach a flooded work site at Mt Surround after road access was cut. Photo supplied

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