New Mackay office strengthens local presence for Queensland Hydro
Queensland Hydro has strengthened its commitment to local operations with a new office in Mackay officially opened by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
The Premier was accompanied by the Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement, Mick de Brenni and incoming Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack on Friday 2 June 2023 for a tour of the 15-person space.
Queensland Hydro CEO, Kieran Cusack, said the new office would become an important local base for Queensland Hydro as investigations continue into the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project, located west of Mackay in the Pioneer Valley.
“Welcoming the Premier, the Minister and their teams to the office was a fantastic way to showcase the great work already happening in the region,” Kieran said.
“Queensland Hydro has had a small office in Finch Hatton since April where we’ve held several Community Connect information sessions for locals.
“As we start technical studies, it makes sense that we show our full commitment to the community with a local presence in Mackay. This provides a great base for our people and for those technical experts who are working with us.”
After cutting the ribbon, the Premier and Minister met with existing Queensland Hydro staff who have been on the ground in Mackay, as well as visiting staff from organisations who are collaborating on the project.
“The opening of a dedicated Queensland Hydro office is a clear demonstration that the Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project is building momentum in Mackay and right across the state,” Mr de Brenni said.
“Mackay will be home to Queensland Hydro’s team of world-class experts who’ll lead the delivery of our State’s next major clean energy storage initiative, in partnership with local business, in a massive boost to the regional economy.”
Trish Auld, Project Director for Pioneer-Burdekin said there are already recruitment plans to boost the existing local team.
“No one knows this region like the people of Mackay, and a core part of our strategy is ensuring that we recruit local people for local jobs,” Trish said.
About the Pioneer-Burdekin project
In 2022, the Queensland Government announced the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan which aims to achieve 80% renewable energy by 2035.
A core part of the Plan is the development of two world-class pumped hydro energy storage projects: the Pioneer-Burdekin Project and the Borumba Project. Queensland Hydro was appointed to undertake preliminary investigations into the feasibility of both projects.
If constructed, the Pioneer-Burdekin project will be the largest pumped hydro scheme in the world, capable of producing 5,000MW of energy. Find out more about the project here: Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project.
Published 12 June 2023