Large areas of Magnetic Island were blacked out from 11.50am today when an electricity cable broke near the old helipad site at Nelly Bay. The cable fell down onto the road connecting Nelly with Picnic Bay and blocked traffic for a short time but no accidents or injuries to the public were caused.

An Ergon Energy spokesperson told magnetictimes.com that the breakage resulted from the effect of electrolysis. Locals would be familiar with the large balls which have been attached to the cables at that location for many years. The balls were attached to increase visibility for helicopter pilots negotiating a landing at the nearby pad. Possibly due to the heavy rain and salty wind there was an electrolytic reaction, between the steel wire which secures the balls to the cable and the copper wire of the cable, causing the cable to break..

Markers indicate the non-live downed cable

The live cable left significant burn marks on the grass but the incident was immediately noticed by passing motorists and, fortunately, MI Police's Constable Brendan Nugent was heading in the direction of the cable at the time. Soon on the scene he was able to divert cars from the danger.

Downed line drops from a pylon in the Nelly Bay Habitat Reserve

The resulting blackout saw 700 homes out across the Island. Power to 400 homes has since been restored but another 300 remain without power. Ergon advise that those homes are expected to have their power restored by 4.30pm.

Story & photos: George Hirst

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