Borumba Pumped Hydro by Queensland Hydro allegedly on pause, not approved

Qld Hydro has denied reports the $14billion Borumba Pumped Hydro project near Gympie had been “paused” or put on hold because it had failed to deliver a detailed report on how it planned to mitigate environmental impact.

Queensland Hydro has refuted reports the $14billion Borumba Pumped Hydro project had been “paused” or put on hold after it was revealed the Federal Environment Minister had still not received the full report on how the project planned to mitigate environmental impact.

Queensland Hydro refuted reports the $14billion Borumba Pumped Hydro project had been “paused” or put on hold because it had failed to deliver the full report on how it planned to mitigate environmental impact in the region and protect water quality.

Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek is believed to have requested a more detailed report into the project more than a year ago, and approval for the project will not be granted until that report is submitted.

While other early works were underway, “exploratory works” had not begun because the environmental approvals had not been given.

Sources said it was not unusual for such a report to take this long, given the sort of project Borumba Pumped Hydro was in terms of size and complexity.

Environmentalist Ian Mackay and some of the endangered species that could be impacted by the Borumba PUmped Hydro project.

Queensland Hydro, and the Queensland and Australian governments, have stated the project will be up and operating by 2030, but critics say that promise was made prematurely because it did not have approvals.

Environmental groups and rural landholders are objecting to the project on the grounds of its potential impact on lifestyle, land values and the environment.

The Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water asked Qld Hydro in April 2023 to submit a more detailed environmental report so Ms Plibersek could approve the project based on all the information she needed.

More detail was needed on how the project planned to mitigate environmental impacts, and protect water quality in Yabba Creek, the Mary River and the Great Strait Ramsar Wetland.

Qld Hydro has also been asked for comment.

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The detailed report on Queensland Hydro’s plan to mitigate and protect the waterways, and the scenic, diverse and environmentally rich Mary Valley and Gympie region was requested a year ago.

A spokesperson for Ms Plibersek said “in March 2023, the department determined that the Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) Project - Exploratory Works would need assessment and approval under national environment law.

“In April 2023, the department requested further information from Queensland Hydro to inform the assessment.

“The department is awaiting further assessment information from Queensland Hydro on the Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project – Exploratory Works”.

A spokesperson for Ms Plibersek said “the department is awaiting further assessment information from Queensland Hydro on the Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project – Exploratory Works”.

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The state government (Energy Minister Mick de Brenni pictured) has agreed to pump millions of dollars into Imbil as it pushes forward with its plan to transform Borumba Dam into a renewable energy powerhouse.

“Once the department receives the additional information, there will be an opportunity for the public to comment on the draft assessment documentation.

“In making her decision on whether the project will go ahead, the minister will consider the public comments received, as well as any expert advice and departmental advice to determine whether the project’s potential impacts are acceptable under national environment law.”

Only then can the project be properly approved.

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Qld Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Minister Mick de Brenni said Borumba Pumped Hydro was not the only Australian Energy Market Operator listed project that was still in the process of being assessed and approved.