News
11 November, 2025
Green light for Energex depot
Somerset Regional Council has approved a proposed new Energex depot in Esk, marking the end of a long planning process, including a court battle between Council and the energy giant.
By Marina Gomide
Somerset Regional Council has approved a proposed new Energex depot in Esk, marking the end of a long planning process, including a court battle between Council and the energy giant.
The new facility, to be built at 5305 Brisbane Valley Highway, will replace Energex’s existing depot in town and provide a modern base for crews serving the Esk and Brisbane Valley regions.
Somerset Council had refused Energex’s initial depot application in 2023 due to its proposed location on Highland Street, which Council argued would have conflicted with the purpose of a residential zone.
Energex appealed the ruling to the Planning and Environment Court in July 2023, but withdrew the application and court case in February 2025.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the new site was a suitable location for the depot.
“There has been a lot of work in the background to get this to where it is,” he said.
“This is a great outcome for our community.
“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.”
An Energex spokesperson said their crews have proudly served the Esk and Brisbane Valley communities for more than 50 years and were excited to continue that legacy from a new, locally based facility.
“The new depot will be a fit-for-purpose space that enhances safety, efficiency, and functionality for our teams,” they said.
“It will provide modern workspaces and machinery areas that support faster, more coordinated responses to electrical issues whether it’s restoring power after a storm or responding to emergencies such as structure fires that require rapid disconnection for safety.
“This investment will help us continue delivering reliable service to the region our crews are proud to call home.”
The spokesperson added it’s “incredibly rewarding” to see progress on a new depot after the earlier proposal was rejected.
“This has been a long time coming, and our team is genuinely excited to have a new base that reflects the importance of the work they do every day,” they said.
“Our staff are proud members of the Brisbane Valley and Esk communities, and this new facility will help them continue providing the high level of service locals have come to rely on.
“It’s more than just a building, it’s a commitment to the region and the people who live here.”
