Flood resilience upgrades future-proof Ingham substation

Ingham’s critical infrastructure has been made significantly more flood-resilient, with $1.61 million in flood mitigation upgrades to the town’s main source of electricity completed ahead of North Queensland’s wet season.

The upgrades, delivered as part of the first stage of the Ingham substation project, have raised vital power supply equipment well above the projected 2025 flood levels. 

These enhancements will reduce the likelihood of the substation being de-energised during severe weather events such as the floods earlier this year, and minimising power outages for homes and businesses in the area.

The upgrades follow one of the worst flooding events to impact Ingham in nearly sixty years with the town inundated as a result of the North and Far North Tropical Low of January and February 2025. 

The Stage One Ingham Substation upgrade project was funded through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), designed to support communities recover and build resilience against natural disasters.

Delivered in close collaboration with stakeholders, including Ergon Energy and Hinchinbrook Shire Council, the upgrades represent a critical step forward in protecting Ingham’s vital infrastructure. 

By elevating essential equipment, the upgrade significantly mitigates the risk of flood damage, safeguarding the community’s future stability and resilience.

Building back better this critical infrastructure is a strategic investment in future proofing it against major flooding events.

As Ingham prepares for the upcoming wet season, these works should provide peace of mind for residents and reinforce support for areas affected by the impacts of recent natural disasters. 

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority knows that building resilience is vital to ensuring communities like Ingham are better equipped to withstand and recover from future major weather events.