In the aftermath of the Queensland and New South Wales floods, our Zinfra teams have been actively supporting our clients, the community and our very own team members in recovery efforts as the waters recede and the devastation becomes more apparent.
To closely assess the impacts on Jemena's Gas network, the EMT (Emergency Management Team) stood up with daily monitoring and communication with Zinfra's JNS Gas teams.
All resources on the ground were busy monitoring and responding to areas where flood waters were threatening the network, isolating gas to properties impacted.
During this period, there was also a spike in corrective maintenance work to customers along with challenges of responding to emergencies due to third party damage.
In South West Queensland, our teams were both isolated from and in some instances marooned on site and unable to leave due to rising flood waters.
Across the Sydney basin, the Zinfra team were working around the clock for days to "pump out" pits that housed critical gas infrastructure. Due to the infrastructure being below ground, the pits required manual pumping to ensure gas continued to flow to tens of thousands of customers.
"The floods across NSW have once again tested the resilience of the people in ZJNS Gas," said Besim Geusher, Gas Distribution Manager. "Though such events make it a difficult time, they do bring out the best in our people, living our Group values and ensuring safety is kept front of mind."
Meanwhile, our Power Services North team played an instrumental role in restoring power back to more than 180,000 Energy Queensland customers undertaking work at the Victoria Park and Milton Substations, both inundated with water.
Our crews worked for more than 48 hours to pump water from the basement of Victoria Park prior to moving to Milton where it took 12 hours of straight pumping before the team were able to access the front of the substation. Emptied of water, the team is now involved in restoration works at the two substations.
Energy Queensland were appreciative of the works undertaken with Sarah Bradford, Contract Specialist Manager stating, "There has been a lot of excellent teamwork on display throughout this event and the feedback from across EQL managers has been that Zinfra's efforts were outstanding, with great communication, regular updates and prompt service."
The Queensland based team also lent a hand in cleaning up local communities volunteering to remove debris around the local neighbourhoods of Clayfield and Hendra.
Local residents Ross and Sharon Carr were appreciative of the support provided by the team writing: "What a great team! Nothing was too much trouble, they were polite and upbeat. Without them the day would have been a lot tougher and probably more emotional. They didn't hesitate to just jump in and get what needed to be done, done. We haven't seen the Mud Army or any support from Government or Council authorities but we have certainly received significant help from the Zinfra Army."
Kevin Moloney, Power Services North General Manager commended the team's clear demonstration of the Group values 'Think like a customer', 'Better together' and 'We care' in such challenging times.
Well done to Construction Manager James Conway and his crew Aaron Turner, Dylan Banks, Joe Swney, Kainga Turner, Kevin Mooney, Mick Thorpe, Zachary Grant and Youness Rotini for managing the works quickly and safely.
On a more personal front, new team member Fiona Allen, Environmental Business Partner was also grateful for the support of the Group praising the care she received from the team after the loss of many material possessions and being displaced from her home.
"I am still in disbelief of just how much Zinfra has looked after me," said Fiona. "That my amazing peers Karl Nickels and Kristian Anderson have gone out of their way to be there to show how much they care by listening and supporting me throughout all of this and then taking action…truly living the Group Values."
"I am also grateful for the support given to me by my Queensland based cohort, including the gas transmission team based in Dalby and Roma and the Heathwood Depot team including Chris Kelly who has kept in regular contact with me to ensure they can assist where they can."
