26 Jan 2013 Att: General Reporters Stanwell Heroes save Queenslands power Selfless actions amidst flood crisis

While Rockhampton was facing a severe flood emergency and many parts of the region were cut off yesterday, twelve selfless Electrical Trades Union members left their families to fix major faults at the states largest Government Owned power station. According to ETU State Organiser Jason Young, their actions saved Queenslanders from major blackouts. These guys put their communities needs first, they left their families behind, negotiated flooded roads and other obstacles but they got the job done. They are like many other workers, the often forgotten behind the scenes people who keep our state ticking along during crises, and they deserve a rap Mr Young Said At 8am on Friday 25th January faults affecting three of the four generating units were identified at Stanwell Power Station near Rockhampton, the faults if not rectified by 8pm last night would have meant the three units would come off line severely affecting an already under stress power supply. At 9am an email was sent from the plant manager advising of the faults and asking if some workers could attend to them while also acknowledging the emerging flood crisis, many roads were already cut leaving families stranded by raging rivers. Twelve ETU members heeded the call and attended work. By around 10am, the Power Station was isolated and cut off no one could get in, or out. The faults were rectified but the workers were unable to leave. They waited for news of the welfare of partners, children and even if they would have a home to go home to, it would be a nervous wait of nearly 24 hours with no sleep and only a few frozen sausage rolls and pies for sustenance, before they could be choppered out earlier this morning. Mr Young said the whole scenario showed the commitment of Queenslands under- pressure government workers. These guys like their colleagues across many areas of public service put their communities first, they are our heroes and its fitting to give them a rap today

For further comments or interview contact Jason Young (State Organiser) 0419 721 044 Andrew Irvine (Media Officer) 0448 633 858