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More than 10,000 homes and businesses in the Toowong area are set to benefit from stage two of a massive upgrade to a local Energex substation.

Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the $4 million project at the Wool Street substation would make it more reliable and help accommodate local growth.

“Toowong and its surrounding suburbs have experienced steady growth over many years and these upgrades are designed to cater for current and future electrical needs,” Dr Lynham said.

“This is an investment in current and future jobs, with major employers like Toowong Village in the area, and major redevelopment expected on the former Woolworths site.

“The upgrades will increase the substation’s capacity and vastly improve its technical capabilities.

“This will be particularly handy during storms and emergency power outages when Energex staff can shift power around remotely, getting supply up and running faster.

The project includes installing a new transformer along with associated electrical work.

This will be the second new transformer installed in the substation in as many years totalling nearly $9 million worth of improvements.

The upgrades are part of the State Government’s investment in infrastructure for Queensland communities to support current and future growth.

“While people are the heart of any community, infrastructure is the backbone and a quality electricity network certainly breathes life into the things people do every day,” Dr Lynham said.

“A safe and reliable electricity network is essential for Toowong and surrounds to provide a safe and reliable power supply to homes, and support growth for local businesses.”

Work on the substation’s upgrades are under way and expected to be complete mid-2020.