Powerlink Connecting The Community: Central Queensland Transmission Forum 2026

Held in the Gladstone Events Centre at the beginning of the month, Powerlink hosted its second annual Central Queensland Transmission Network Forum, discussing the significant investment opportunities being delivered to the local community.

The investment is one part of a wider package of benefits and investments being delivered through projects in the region, aimed at ensuring the region benefits from hosting critical infrastructure that will power Queensland’s future, focusing on strengthening community resilience, supporting regional opportunity and delivering legacy outcomes for future generations. Banana Shire, Isaac, Rockhampton and Gladstone will benefit from the initial investment commitment, with additional funding to become available as the program of work in Central Queensland continues.

Powerlink’s Gladstone Project will be delivered in two stages, with construction of a new transmission line between Calvale Substation and Calliope River Substation due to commence this month, with other projects including the Banana Range Wind Farm Connection Project, Calliope River Synchronous Condensers at Calliope River Substation, the Gladstone Hub, located in Gladstone and Callemondah, and the Lotus Creek Windfarm Connection Project, amongst others.

Powerlink Chief Executive Dr Seán McGoldrick said Powerlink’s work is critical for the future of Queensland’s power system and communities that are central to the company’s work.

“It has been informed by extensive engagement with local communities since 2023, including our recently completed Social Impact Assessment, about what matters most to them,” said Dr McGoldrick.

“We will continue to engage with councils and communities in the coming months to ensure investment supports initiatives that deliver tangible, lasting benefit for communities.”

Attendees were invited to network with major industry partners before the forum, with BMD, FNCCI, UGL, GEA, Coexistence Queensland, Consolidated Power Projects, Ventia, Yurika, Downer, Zinfra and the Queensland Government hosting stalls before light refreshments were served.

The forum opened with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Cecilia, followed by a message from Powerlink’s Shareholding Ministers David Janetzki MP and Ros Bates MP, Dr Seán McGoldrick’s opening address, the CQ Update by Executive General Manager (Major Projects) Ian Lowry, and the panel discussion about maximising local and indigenous participation and benefits for CQ, which featured Matthew Cooke (Chairman of First Nations Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Andrew Johnson (CEO of Gladstone Ports Corporation), Denva Poyntz (General Manager - Energy of Rio Tinto), Patrick Hastings (CEO of Gladstone Engineering Alliance), and Ian Lowry (Powerlink).

As of July 2026, in Queensland, 40 generation connection projects have become operational with a combined maximum output of ∼8,897MW, 14 generation connection projects are under construction with an output of ∼4,075MW, and 110 connection applications are being processed, representing ∼44GW. For Powerlink in Central Queensland, 57 works packages have been released with 1,498 registrations of interest; 806 registrations of which 18.8% were locally based businesses, 11% of businesses were indigenous owned, and 10 of which were locally based in Gladstone and the surrounds. Powerlink stated that local and indigenous participation was the key to the success of their projects moving forward.

Maximising local business participation and enhancing employment pathways is another way Powerlink is contributing to sustainable regions, with Dr McGoldrick reinforcing the idea that building capabilities of small businesses, tradies and apprentices is a core focus for the company.

“The economic benefits gained through major infrastructure builds is invaluable and provides a strong foundation long after our projects are complete.

“Central Queensland communities and businesses are helping make that future possible. We want to ensure they share in the opportunities and benefits that come with it.”