Qld Hydro calls for local, First Nations businesses involvement in Borumba Dam

Small businesses across the Gympie region are being asked to register now for future job and contracting opportunities for the major $14.2bn Borumba pumped hydro project.

Qld Hydro are in the exploratory phase of transforming Borumba Dam into a pumped hydro powerhouse. Borumba Dam, Saturday August 5, 2023. Picture: Christine Schindler

As early works progress on the $14.2bn Borumba pumped hydro project, Qld Hydro is calling for local and First Nations businesses to register interest for future work opportunities.

The game-changing, 2000MW Borumba pumped hydro project would transform the Mary Valley into a major hub of Queensland electricity, once environmental approvals are granted.

The project is expected to “inject tens of millions of dollars into the local economy over the coming years, with over 2000 peak construction jobs expected once the main works kick off in 2025,” Qld Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack said.

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Three Mary Valley roads are earmarked for improvements as exploratory works on the multibillion-dollar proposed Borumba hydro project get underway.

Local and First Nations businesses who register their interest will have the opportunity to connect with larger corporate construction and drilling suppliers, and gain broader benefits through local job creation, apprenticeships, training and local procurement opportunities, a statement from Qld Hydro said.

Tenders for the exploratory works will include environmental and geotechnical investigations and the construction of temporary workers’ camps, bridges and road upgrades, it said.

“Proposals for civil construction works (which involves upgrades to access tracks and minor roads for, and within, the Borumba site) will be requested in late-2023 from shortlisted proponents, and Queensland Hydro will work with contractors to maximise participation of local and First Nations businesses,” a Qld Hydro spokesperson said.

Map of Borumba Dam pumped hydro project.

The pumped hydro project has been moving with full steam ahead, despite being greeted locally with mixed feelings, and the unwanted news of the associated powerline infrastructure.

Releasing news of the underground works, digging, tunnelling and exploring what lies beneath the mountains surrounding the dam has been a pivotal point for the project, and will determine and include the final environmental approvals.

Register interest with Qld Hydro here.