EQL TUWE Turkinje Substation

The TUWE Turkinje West Substation project delivered a new substation facility and associated infrastructure to support the ongoing reliability and capacity of the regional electricity network north of Mareeba, Far North Queensland. The works included development of the new Ergon Energy substation yard and control building, together with civil upgrades within the neighbouring operational Powerlink substation.

Bryant’s scope incorporated extensive civil, structural and building works, including access tracks, earthworks, roadworks and stormwater drainage, substation earthing, underground HV, LV and communications conduits, concrete foundations and cable pits, perimeter fencing and gates, switchyard stone, and construction of the single-storey control building and associated services.

A significant component of the project involved complex underground infrastructure and works within the live Powerlink environment, requiring detailed staging and close coordination to maintain access, protect existing services and minimise disruption to ongoing operations. This included specialist excavation works around live electrical infrastructure, with hydrovac techniques used to safely complete bored pier foundations beneath existing transformers and in close proximity to live 66kV cables.

Through careful planning, proactive problem-solving and close collaboration with Ergon Energy, Powerlink, consultants and specialist subcontractors, the project was successfully completed to a high standard. The completed facility provides critical infrastructure to support the long-term reliability and future growth of the region’s electricity network.