Deniliquin has been selected to play a significant role in the rollout of a major electrical network upgrade across the country.
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A ‘laydown’ site for the project has been developed off Ochtertyre St, behind Deniliquin Stadium.
Local logistics business owners and developers George and Anthony Caruso have been developing the site for almost five months, with Ray White Real Estate the property managers.
EnergyConnect will connect electrical grids across Australia and will improve reliability of our nation’s energy.
SecureEnergy has been contracted to construct 700km of new power lines from the South Australian border to the regional energy hub of Wagga.
The Deniliquin site has already started receiving materials that will be used to construct towers to span a section of the project network between Balranald and Wagga Wagga from August.
Ray White principal Hamish Thomson said the project would have some important economic benefits for Deniliquin, in the short and long term.
“SecureEnergy will be operating in Deniliquin for a minimum of two years, and it is highly likely this will be extended,” he said.
“SecureEnergy staff will be residing in Deniliquin during that time and hundreds of trucks will be moving from Melbourne to Deniliquin, all of which add to our local economy.
“Additional opportunities such as freight and labour components are also expected, and it is highly likely local businesses and people will be involved.
“This is the largest industrial lease Deniliquin has ever seen.
“Deniliquin's location was well suited to the EnergyConnect project, there was plenty of work behind the scenes with George, Meg and Anthony from Caruso Bros Transport - well supported by local council staff and a local solicitor firm - in helping to finalise and execute the lease.
“This project puts us on the map for future energy projects as well. There could be other opportunities that could come out of this. It is an exciting development.”
SecureEnergy’s Deni site logistics manager Michael Knights said four full time SecureEnergy staff would be based in Deniliquin at any one time, but said employment opportunities would expand throughout the life of the project.
He said their numbers would be bolstered by the Caruso Bros Transport team, which could see another eight added to the local crew.
This does not include the employment created by those assisting with freight.
SecureEnergy said one of its key priorities is “giving back to the communities in which we work”.
“It is expected this laydown yard will lead to positive economic benefits to the area by creating jobs, developing infrastructure, and supporting local business,” the company said.
“We have already invested more than $30 million with local businesses (across the network) and we continue to find ways to give back to our local communities.
“To date we have more than 75 local suppliers who are supplying goods and services to the project.
“We have also launched a new jobs initiative called the Legacy 100 program. The program aims to attract up to 100 candidates to complete a Certificate II in Transmission Line Construction. We are currently seeking expressions of interest for participants.”
The project also includes the design and construction of two new substations at Buronga and Dinawan (near Jerilderie) and the upgrade of the existing substation at Wagga Wagga.
Mr Knights said the Deniliquin laydown site will be responsible for materials needed to construct about 800 towers along the network.
“The smallest tower is 16 tonne - or one truck load of steel - and at the Wagga end they get up to 70 tonne or three trailer loads,” he said.
“The steel comes into port in Melbourne, and is then trucked to Deni. From here, the materials are delivered to areas along the network as required.
“At this initial stage we are taking in the materials, and we will be ramping up and starting to deliver from mid-to-late August.
“People will definitely see an increased amount of traffic near the site, in line with our detailed traffic management plan.”
Mr Thomson said the project has been many years in the making, with the search for a Deni location initiated through Edward River Council mid last year.
“Several sites were earmarked and considered, and we (Ray White) worked with these entities and SecureEnergy for five to six months before finalising and executing the lease.
“The Carusos’ site ticked a lot of boxes for SecureEnergy. This coupled with George and Anthony's logistics experience and reputation cemented SecureEnergy’s decision.
“The site has now been developed specifically for SecureEnergy’s requirements, and it has been a major financial commitment by Caruso Bros.”
Mr Thomson said there was a very narrow time frame to get the job done.
“George and Anthony, along with other local contractors, did a fantastic job to develop the site to specification on time.
“This site sits within a much larger industrial site which the Carusos have other future plans for.
“Although these plans are separate to the EnergyConnect project and lease with SecureEnergy, they are equally exciting for the town and the Carusos’ strategic growth plans in general and agriculture logistics."
More information about the EnergyConnect program is available by calling SecureEnergy on 1800 490 666 or community@secureenergyjv.com.au, or going to www.secureenergyjv.com.au.
Senior journalist