Powerlink reveals new date for announcement of Borumba Dam power line corridor

The revelation of a controversial high voltage power line route needed to connect the planned multi-billion-dollar Borumba Dam pumped hydro plant has been pushed back.

The release of an anticipated report outlining the favoured route to run controversial high voltage power lines from the proposed Boruma Dam pumped hydro plant has been pushed back by a month as backlash continues to grow across the Gympie region.

The release of the proposed location of controversial high voltage power lines needed as part of the proposed multibillion-dollar Borumba Dam pumped hydro plant has been pushed back by a month.

The heavily-anticipated report, outlining the choice route of transmission lines linking the dam with the Woolooga, Halys and Tarong substations, was scheduled to be released in March 2023.

A Powerlink spokesman said on Monday the planned route would now be made clear on April 27.

This was “to ensure appropriate consideration can be given to the feedback received and allow for a thorough analysis of all factors”, the spokesman said.

It follows 29 community information sessions since November.

The report, originally scheduled for release in March 2023, has been pushed back to April following more than two dozen public meetings between Powerlink and the Gympie community.

This included several added to the original list following extensive public outcry not only about the proposed routes, but a lack of communication and consultation.

He said communication with those affected by the lines would continue after the report was released.

“The community will be able to provide their input and obtain further information via phone, email, feedback form, interactive project map or meet with our project team again at community information drop-in sessions planned throughout May 2023,” he said.

“Following detailed review of all feedback received on the report, a study corridor will be determined as part of the Final (report) in mid-2023.

“We will then work with landholders to identify a 70 metre easement within the study corridor, and progress with further project approvals.”

The spokesman did not provide any specific response on questions about whether a compensation system like the Victorian government’s was being considered.

Under the scheme, landholders can be paid up to $8000 per km of transmission wire on their land.

“We place extreme importance on engaging and negotiating respectfully with these landholders to ensure they receive fair and appropriate compensation,” the spokesman said.

Backlash against the proposed routes continues.

“We have been working with stakeholders since September 2022 to review our compensation approach to ensure it is contemporary and adequately recognises the impact to landholders and the broader community.

“This updated model will be applied to compensation payments for landholders impacted by this project.”

Powerlink was still exploring options for placing lines on state-owned land and forests, an argument being put forward by groups opposed to the lines running near their homes.

This backlash against the proposed lines has continued to gather steam in Gympie’s western regions, with more meetings on the cards.

On March 6, Kilkivan Action Group will be holding a meeting at the Kilkivan Hall form 6pm.

Less than two weeks after, on March 17, the Widgee Bushman’s Bar will host a gathering supported by the Kilkivan, Widgee, Mary River, and Dagun/Amamoor Action groups and Property Rights Australia.

The event is part of the fight in Gympie’s western regions to force the state government to install the power lines on land it already owns, instead of private property.

The meeting will run from 5pm-7pm.

More than 650 comments have been left by Gympie region residents on Powerlink’s interactive online map.