Council
19 February, 2025
Energex ends Esk depot
A court dispute between Somerset Council and Energex has come to an end, with Energex withdrawing its development application for a new depot on Highland Street in Esk.
This withdrawal puts an end to a two-year saga, including a court appeal to the Planning and Environment Court. Energex appealed Council’s decision to reject the development in July 2023. Council argued that the development would conflict with the purpose of a residential zone, and due to concerns of adverse noise impacts.
“While we support the continued presence of an Energex depot within Somerset, it is essential that any future proposals align with appropriate planning principles,” Mr. Johnson said.
The purpose of the development was to replace the existing Esk depot, located only 500 metres down the road from the proposed site, with a new, fit-for-purpose facility, to accommodate field and administrative staff responsible for the operation and maintenance of the local distribution network.
Somerset chief executive officer, Andrew Johnson, said the outcome reinforces Council’s commitment to upholding its planning scheme and protecting residential areas from inappropriate development.
“Council initially refused the application because the proposed development was inconsistent with our planning scheme and would have impacted the character and amenity of a residentially zoned area,” Mr. Johnson said.
“Keeping Energex in the region is vital—not only to ensure rapid response capabilities during natural disasters but also to provide stability for the families of local workers."
“Council remains committed to working collaboratively with Energex to explore alternative, suitable locations that meet both operational needs and community expectations.”
An Energex spokesperson confirmed an alternate location for a new Esk depot has been identified, with site investigations underway.
“We have worked with council at every step of the approval process. However, with pressing timeframes to construct a new facility, potentially protracted legal action may significantly delay the development,” they said.
“We will continue working closely with Council to ensure our new facility’s location best suits the power supply needs of the Brisbane Valley community and our local staff.”
According to the spokesperson, a new Esk depot will enable rapid response to the community’s electricity-related maintenance and emergency needs.
“Energex crews have serviced the electrical needs of the Esk and surrounding community from the township-based location for more than half a century and are seeking to continue this,” they said.
