McMahon Services and Flinders Power are working in alliance to set a new standard for the closure of electricity generation operations. This supports our aim to set a benchmark for safety and best practice for future coal fired power station and associated mine closures in Australia.
The Augusta Power Stations have a long and valued history providing reliable generation to the South Australian and National Electricity Market. The 90MW Playford A Power Station was commissioned on reclaimed land at the northern tip of Spencer Gulf in 1954. The site was subsequently expanded to accommodate the 240MW Playford B Power Station, which was commissioned in 1963. Generation was secured through the utilisation of the Leigh Creek Coalfields, and the construction of a 250km dedicated rail line connection. In the early 1980’s an adjacent site was prepared at Port Augusta, culminating in the construction of the 520MW Northern Power Station in 1985.
At 9.40am Monday, 9 May 2016, the Port Augusta Power Station officially stopped generating power. McMahon Services, in Alliance with Flinders Power are currently undertaking the demolition of the Augusta Power Stations, including Northern Power Station, Playford A and Playford B Power Stations. The decommissioning includes the removal of friable and non-friable asbestos and demolition via mechanical and charge felling means.
Flinders Power Partnership and McMahon Services have formed an alliance to create a single, unified team to jointly manage the planning, asset salvage and decommissioning works of the project. The successful delivery of this project relies on the combined efforts of both Flinders Power and McMahon Services. This is a dynamic partnership where both Flinders Power and McMahon Services create a single team, working collaboratively and cooperatively to make best-for-project decisions to achieve the project outcomes.
This is a unique delivery model for McMahon Services, with an Alliance Leadership Team formed with Flinders Power who share our strong commitment to delivering the project in accordance with our core values of Safety, Teamwork, Leadership and Integrity.
McMahon Services were engaged in September 2015 to conduct an extensive early works phase. The early works agreement enabled McMahon Services in partnership with Flinders Power to meticulously investigate and plan the works required for the safe and effective decommissioning of the Augusta Power Stations.
The early works agreement was completed over a six month period with key management staff on site working with Flinders Power during operations and shutdown period. Detailed programs and cost plans were developed during this period which complemented a full suite of project plans endorsed by client, regulator and independent consultants.
The site has a long and proud history and is prominent in the region. The closure program has a high degree of community interest and The Alliance commits to engaging in an open and collaborative fashion.
