Australia-based electricity transmission operator Powerlink has completed the upgrade of Mudgeeraba substation located at Varsity Lakes in Gold Coast, Queensland.

Completed before the Commonwealth Games, the upgrade works started in 2016 and were carried out with an investment of A$25m ($18.2m).

The enhancements consisted of the upgrade of primary and secondary systems, such as the installation of a new 275/110kV 250MVa transformer, fire walls and noise wall.

"The upgrade supported up to 50 local jobs and has extended the life of the infrastructure in a safe and cost-effective way."

Additional works included 275kV bus extension, isolator installation and gantry extension, demolition and rebuild of 110kV feeder and transformer bays and disassembly and removal of redundant transformer and selected primary plant.

The investment is said to be part of the Queensland government’s objective to provide additional capacity and to ensure a reliable electricity supply network for the games in Gold Coast.

Queensland Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said: “Mudgeeraba Substation and Molendinar together are the two main power supply hubs for the Gold Coast. The completion of the upgrade ensured electricity supply was as safe and secure as possible at a time when the eyes of the world were on the Gold Coast.

“The upgrade supported up to 50 local jobs and has extended the life of the infrastructure in a safe and cost-effective way.

“Importantly, after more than 40 years of service already, Mudgeeraba can now continue to provide a reliable electricity supply for many years to come as the Gold Coast grows.”

Powerlink is owned by the Government of Queensland and operates the high-voltage electricity transmission infrastructure in the state.