Borumba Dam pumped hydro plan seeks public feedback

Gympie residents are being given the chance to have their say on plans to transform one of the Mary Valley’s most popular tourist attractions into a renewable energy hub.

Gympie residents are being given the chance to have their say about plans to transform Borumba Dam into a renewable energy hub.

Gympie residents are being given the chance to have their say about plans to transform a popular Mary Valley tourist spot into a renewable energy hub.

The State Government will be undertaking community consultation on its plan to build a 1 Gigawatt pumped hydro plant at Borumba Dam capable of powering more than 1.5 million homes and creating 2000 jobs during construction.

State Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said engaging with the community and securing its support was essential.

“Borumba hydro is an important project for Queensland as we move towards our 50% renewable energy target by 2030,” Mr de Brenni said.

Energy Minister Mick de Brenni says community consultation is essential on the proposal. Pics Tara Croser.

“Pumped hydro will play a key role in complementing solar and wind generation.

“We hope that Queensland-based businesses get involved in the tender process to deliver the relevant work packages.”

Tenders have now been called for initial engineering and consulting services to determine the design and costings of the renewable plant.

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig said it was vital the community had their say.

Mayor Glen Hartwig is backing the state’s consultation, saying the project has the potential to create “good jobs” for the region.

“I’d encourage everybody to be part of this consultation process,” Mr Hartwig said.

“This project has the potential to create good jobs in the Gympie region and we support the consultation process.”

The studies are expected to take up to two years to complete.

A submission to the State Government on the project is expected to be delivered by the end of 2023.