Pioneer-Burdekin closure
The former Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project was a long-duration energy storage project being investigated in the Pioneer Valley and adjacent ranges. Queensland Hydro ceased investigations into the proposed Project in late 2024.
PIONEER-BURDEKIN
About the Pioneer-Burdekin Project closure
In November 2024, the Queensland Government decided to cease the Pioneer-Burdekin Project. All investigation work has stopped, and equipment has been demobilised from sites.
During the investigation phase of the former project, Queensland Hydro voluntarily acquired 58 properties from 57 landholders. Since project closure, Queensland Hydro has been engaging with former landholders on a property buyback process.
All former landowners have the option to buy back their property for the amount Queensland Hydro originally purchased it for, or to pursue a market valuation to inform the re-purchase price. Regardless of which option is chosen, Queensland Hydro supports the position that no former landholder will pay more than what they sold for. Landholders may also elect not to buy back their property. Queensland Hydro will progress the option each former landholder chooses.
RESPONSIBLE DIVESTMENT
Status of land buyback
Queensland Hydro is committed to responsibly divesting properties to limit any potential impacts to the property market. Our priority is working with former landholders on the buyback of their properties. Properties not sold back to former landholders will be divested in consultation with the Queensland Government and local stakeholders.
In December 2024, Queensland Hydro began contacting all former landholders who voluntarily sold their land during the investigation phase to understand their interest in buying back their land. An expression of interest pack was sent for their consideration.
Some former landholders have already entered contracts or settled with Queensland Hydro to buy their former property back and others are in progress.
To provide flexibility, Queensland Hydro has advised former landholders that settlement can occur up to 30 June 2026 and that leases are also available until 30 June 2026 to help support the buyback process. Leases after 30 June 2026 cannot be guaranteed.
Key dates for former landholders
16 January 2026: Deadline for former landholders to submit market valuations.
30 May 2026: Final date for former landholders to agree on a buyback price.
1 June 2026: If no agreement is reached, Queensland Hydro will issue a formal First Right of Refusal letter offering the lower of the updated market valuation or the original acquisition price.
30 June 2026: Final date for settlement. Leases remain available until this date. Leases after 30 June 2026 cannot be guaranteed.
Queensland Hydro has professional valuers undertaking current market valuations. Former landholders are encouraged to seek their own professional valuations and issue their valuation to Queensland Hydro for consideration by mid-January 2026. This ensures valuations are carried out within the same three-month period (which is standard industry practice for property transactions) and provides time for the two valuers to discuss the valuation amounts for the property, ensuring sufficient time for settlement to occur before 30 June 2026.
Queensland Hydro acknowledges that not all former landholders will choose to repurchase their properties, resulting in properties that will ultimately need to be divested.
Queensland Hydro has now commenced selling properties where the former landholder has decided not to buy back. Properties are available for sale now via Ray White Rural Sarina.
Works taking place in the community
Queensland Hydro is continuing property maintenance activities. Our Pioneer-Burdekin Project team continue to liaise with landholders and tenants about these activities. That includes ensuring safety by checking smoke alarms, safety switches and water filters, and also includes mowing and general property and land maintenance.
If you have any questions relating to these activities or other matters, please contact the Pioneer-Burdekin Project team via email at pioneer-burdekin@qldhydro.com.au or via phone on 1800 875 099.
Engagement
Each former landholder has been allocated a named Relationship Manager who acts as a single point of contact through the buyback process. Engagement is occurring face to face, on calls or emails. Due to the nature of the buyback, these discussions will continue to occur one on one, to work through individual repurchase transactions.
