First round of work packages up for grabs to deliver $14bn Queensland Hydro pumped hydro mega project
There are nine work packages available to deliver the first stage.
Queensland Hydro has had a high level of interest to industry briefings it’s staged this week for the first round of work packages for the exploratory phase of the Borumba Pumped Hydro mega project that will help deliver clean, secure and reliable energy for Queensland.
There are nine work packages available to deliver the first stage of works including underground works, geotechnical, drilling, civil and construction, temporary accommodation and site services.
Almost 450 people attended the first briefing in person and on line in Brisbane on Wednesday at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre to hear directly from Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack and senior members of the Queensland Hydro team. Close to 200 people were also registered for similar events today in Caloundra and tomorrow in Gympie and almost another 100 online.
“Queensland Hydro wants our Borumba Pumped Hydro Project to be a project of choice for Queensland businesses and workers. I’m thrilled to be able to launch these work packages and to partner with strong, capable contractors and suppliers to deliver a world-class asset,” Mr Cusack said.
“Transformation of our energy system is vital, and the Borumba Pumped Hydro project will help by providing secure and reliable energy when it’s needed most.
“The Borumba Pumped Hydro project will deliver reliable and secure energy and these work packages mean benefits for both supply and employment opportunities for Queenslanders with around 2000 jobs expected to be created during the project.
“We deeply and genuinely care about engagement within our communities and with our project stakeholders. Working with regions is key to us understanding how this can happen with a strong focus on issues of housing, workforce resourcing and the safety of the community.”
The project is a 2,000 megawatt (MW) pumped hydro energy storage facility at Lake Borumba, located near Imbil, 45 minutes south-west of Gympie.
Along with these early packages, an environmental impact assessment process will begin in the second half of 2023.
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process will investigate the project’s environmental, social and economic impacts and identify avoidance, mitigation and offset measures. Importantly, during the EIS process, the community will have an opportunity to have their say on the project.
In parallel with the EIS process, detailed site investigations and exploratory works are needed before construction can begin. Queensland Hydro will progress further geotechnical testing to enhance understanding of site conditions and undertake civil infrastructure upgrades around the project site, including worker accommodation.
Businesses looking to get involved in the mega project can register their interest by visiting QLDHydro.icn.org.au.
The project is targeting providing first power to Queenslanders in 2030.
ENDS
Contact:
Ian Eckersley, Manager Media, m: 0432 754 897, e: [email protected]
Published 06 July 2023.