New electricity depot to be built behind Mossman homes
Douglas Industry
A new power company depot featuring a 540sq m workshop and 430sq m office is set to be built just off the main street of Mossman where a sugar-cane farm currently sits.
Douglas Shire Council resolved at a recent meeting to rezone the land from rural to industrial so the block, which is behind housing just off Alchera Drive next door to the council works depot, can house the new Ergon Energy depot.
All the councillors backed the move, with three speaking out in favour of the location.
“Perfect place for it,” Cr Damian Meadows said.
“I think this is a good vote of confidence by Ergon to show that they intend to continue to grow in this community.
“They’re a big provider, this is a great idea.”
Cr Michael Rees said he hoped the new development would put an end to power cuts in the town.
“There will be some shopkeepers on the main street who will be very pleased with this because they’ve had some brown outs,” Cr Rees said.
“Usually what happens when they relocate is that, assuming there will be some sort of upgrade.”
Deputy Mayor Roy Zammataro said the current depot on Thomas Street was prone to flooding.
“They need access in flood times, Ergon has a lot to do,” Cr Zammataro said.
The recommended site does not flood, so it’s perfect, he said.
“I totally agree with it.”
A report tabled in the meeting stated Ergon had outgrown the Thomas Street depot and it was too small to manoeuvre equipment needed to maintain the electricity grid.
“Traffic management is a consistent issue at the current site particularly for pole deliveries by semi-trailers,” the report stated.
The proposed land parcel to be rezoned is about 1.7ha.
“The development has the potential to create amenity impacts such as noise, vibration or light nuisances on the adjoining and nearby residential area,” the report stated.
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