Tarong North Gears Up for Major Makeover to Boost Power and Jobs

Stanwell has officially begun a $70 million planned upgrade at the Tarong North Power Station. This major maintenance initiative is part of a year-round program designed to keep Queensland’s power reliable, safe, and affordable. It also ties into the Queensland Government’s Electricity Maintenance Guarantee and is expected to give a significant boost to the local economy.

The overhaul will pour approximately $10 million into the surrounding community by engaging local suppliers and driving business to accommodation, transport, and hospitality sectors. On-site, an estimated 500 short-term specialist contractor roles will be created throughout the project, which is expected to run until early July 2025.

Stanwell’s General Manager of Southern Generation, Mick Joy, emphasized how critical these upgrades are. “This isn’t just a tune-up – these overhauls keep our plants healthy and able to deliver dependable power for Queenslanders and the national market,” he said. Each unit at the station undergoes a full-scale overhaul every four years, ensuring it remains in top working condition.

Tarong North is one of the most efficient power stations in the country and plays a pivotal role in Queensland’s energy supply. As part of the Tarong Power Station complex, it provides about 20% of the state’s electricity, delivering vital stability and backup strength to the grid.

Overhauls like this don’t happen overnight – each one takes around 12 months of planning. Once underway, the job involves detailed inspection, repairs, upgrades, and even the replacement of large-scale equipment to ensure everything operates smoothly and efficiently.

Local companies like Nanango-based G3 Engineering are also seeing direct benefits. Sarah O’Mahoney, a long-time team member, said that Tarong’s projects provide a steady stream of work. “These upgrades mean we can ramp up production, hire more staff, and even grow our capabilities,” she said.

G3 Engineering has come a long way – from a small maintenance crew to a dynamic business offering services like 3D scanning, drafting, design, and installation. “Opportunities like these help us stay competitive and support growth

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