With storm season already upon the Sugar City, locals can be assured their future energy supply has been designed with extreme weather in mind.
The Palaszczuk Government is powering ahead with the new $28 million Mackay City Substation, which is built to withstand a one in 200-year flood event.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said delivering secure, reliable energy supply was an important part of Queensland's economic recovery plan
"Ergon Energy's new substation is a great example of building back better," Ms Gilbert said.
"You only need to look at photos of Tennyson Street during the 1971 floods to remember just how long the substation has supported our community through all kinds of challenges.
"Based on these past experiences and build back better principles, the new substation is designed to withstand a one in 200-year flood event."
Ms Gilbert said the new Mackay City Substation will support more than 4,600 customers and cater for the future needs of the central business district.
"We know when businesses look to open or expand, a reliable power supply is a major factor in their decision-making," she said.
"This infrastructure will help to deliver that in the heart of Mackay, including the city centre and priority development area along the waterfront.
"It has also provided an immediate economic boost by supporting local jobs during the construction phase."
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the major project has involved the installation of two new transformers, a control room, operating switchgear and power cables.
"Electrical works are scheduled for completion by early December when the new substation is expected to be powering homes and business," the Minister said.
"This will be a major milestone for the community, but it won't be the end of work at the site, where we still need to recover underground cables and conduit, demolish the old substation and build a new car park.
"Over the life of the project, we have worked to minimise the disruption to the community during construction and we're especially grateful to nearby businesses for their patience and understanding.
"This is a complex project which has taken time to design, construct and commission, but the community will reap the benefits of the new substation for many years to come."
The Mackay City Substation upgrade forms part of the Palaszczuk Government's $2.3 billion energy capital works program in 2021-22.
