Connecting the new 275kV high capacity transmission line to our electricity network will require upgrading and expansion of both Calvale and Calliope River substations. Works at the Calvale Substation will include upgrading

existing and installing new equipment within the existing substation site.

At the Calliope River Substation, works will include installing a new transformer and expanding the 275kV and 132kV bays. We will also undertake works to reinstate any areas that have been disturbed that are outside of the infrastructure footprint in line with environmental and safety requirements.

Geotechnical works to inform planning and design

Starting from April 2025, geotechnical investigations will begin at Calliope River Substation and then along

the easement alignment, following appropriate measures to protect cultural heritage values in the area.

These early works will help to inform our planning and assessment activities. Main construction works for the transmission line are expected to start in mid-2026. However this will depend on the progress and outcome of the formal approval process, which is currently underway.

Geotechnical works involve collecting soil samples to help us understand soil type and other ground components. This informs the engineering design and construction methodology. Powerlink has engaged CMW Rockhampton to carry out the geotechnical investigations at the substation, and Civil Group Australia to undertake specialist drilling along the easement alignment. Early works are expected to take several months to complete, weather and site conditions permitting.

State Government planning approval

Powerlink is seeking planning approval from the Queensland Government. This process is managed by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP) with input from other government agencies.We are currently preparing the detailed reports that comprise our application for planning approval.

This includes reports that look at the possible environmental, social and economic impacts of building, operating and maintaining the project, and suggests ways to manage these impacts. It describes in detail the findings of more than 18 months of desktop and detailed flora and fauna field studies, and social and cultural heritage assessments.

Our application also includes reports that detail the findings and proposed mitigations for other matters, including construction traffic impacts, noise and vibration, landscape and visual amenity, bushfire risks and more.

We expect to lodge our application for planning approval with DSDIP in mid 2025. When ready, the Planning Minister will initiate a 20 business day public consultation period for the project.

This consultation is initiated by DSDIP and will be supported by Powerlink engagement activities. Formal submissions must be made to the Planning Minister in writing and can relate to any of the topics covered in the application.

At this time, we will inform landholders, Traditional Owner groups and the community about how to access the documentation, ask questions and make a submission.

We will also be holding community information drop-in sessions at multiple locations along the project alignment.

Please visit powerlink.com.au/calvale-calliope to register for updates.

Powerlink takes our environmental responsibilities seriously and we are committed to managing potential environmental impacts resulting from our proposed activities for this project.

In November 2024, Powerlink referred the project to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act).

DCCEEW has reviewed Powerlink’s referral documentation and public submissions made during initial consultation in January 2025 and has classified the project as a ‘Controlled Action’. This means the project requires Commonwealth approval under the EPBC Act, in addition to Queensland Government approvals, which are progressing separately.

Powerlink will now prepare a Public Environment Report, which will be made available for public consultation later this year. This process is managed by DCCEEW.

Gladstone Project

The Calvale to Calliope River Transmission Line Reinforcement Project is the first stage in a broader program of transmission upgrades that is expected to see several projects planned, assessed and delivered in stages over the next decade.

The broader Gladstone Project is in the early stages of planning. As planning progresses, Powerlink will engage with stakeholders, Traditional Owners and the community, and seek their input.