PIONEER-BURDEKIN
About the proposed project
In 2022, the Queensland Government announced a second Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) site had been identified in addition to the Borumba Project announced in June 2021.
The Queensland Government identified the Pioneer Valley and adjacent ranges, located approximately 75km west of Mackay, as an area with significant potential for a long-duration PHES facility.
This was due to its favourable topography and proximity to high-quality wind and solar generation sources in the Central and Northern Queensland Renewable Energy Zones, which could unlock large volumes of renewable energy.
Queensland Hydro conducted detailed technical investigations to better understand the impacts and benefits of PHES across the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Project site. The studies included geotechnical investigations, environmental, social and cultural heritage assessments.
The information gathered during the investigations informed a Detailed Analytical Report for consideration of the Queensland Government .
Project status
On 2 November 2024, following the State Election in October 2024, the Queensland Government directed Queensland Hydro to cease the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Project.
On 5 November 2024, the Queensland Government published the executive summary of the Pioneer-Burdekin Detailed Analytical Report. It is available from the Department’s website here.
Queensland Hydro is transitioning to project closure and no additional investigation work will be undertaken. We have commenced demobilising some equipment from sites.
Queensland Hydro has commenced contacting 57 previous landholders to understand their interest in buying back their land, with an expression of interest pack being sent to former landholders for their consideration.
Previous owners will have the option to re-purchase their land 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 Government’s 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.
Queensland Hydro is committed to responsibly divesting properties to limit any potential impacts to the market.
If you have any questions relating to the former Pioneer-Burdekin project, please contact the Queensland Hydro team via email at [email protected] or via phone on 1800 875 099.
