Emotions fray at Queensland Hydro meeting in Finch Hatton
Shell-shocked landowners set to lose their homes if a $12bn pumped hydro scheme goes ahead have clashed with the project’s leaders at a fiery meeting. VIDEO, PHOTOS.
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Anger is building in the Pioneer Valley over the state government’s proposed $12bn pumped hydro scheme, which would wipe out dozens of properties in the region.
In the first public meeting held at Finch Hatton by Queensland Hydro, the new entity charged to lead the mammoth project, residents erupted in anger at the plan.
“These people that are flooding, they have not slept or eaten for a week,” one woman said.
“This is what this has done to them.
“Do not put it off another 18 months, that is 18 months off stress.
“Just stop it. Now.”
Hundreds packed into the Showgrounds Hall this week to learn more about the scheme, set to transform the region through the construction of a 5GW battery that would store and dispatch half of the state’s power by 2035.
Detail is scant on the renewable energy powerhouse, with more engineering and environmental studies set to be completed over the next 18 months, but a general sentiment of confusion and disapproval permeated the hall.
Interim CEO Chris Evans led the discussion but broke it up when tempers frayed, and those in the crowd started to shout over each other.
Later, Mr Evans was joined by Energy Minister Mick de Brenni to answer questions.
Netherdale cattle farmer Jai Rendell, whose property would be inundated if plans go ahead, attended the meeting for some “clarity”.
“Are we going to be fairly compensated?” he asked.
“It is not the money we want, it is the land.
“I have worked 15 years of my life to get here.”
Lyn Kenny said construction costs were on her mind.
“Where is the money coming from to start with?” she said.
She also had questions about the impact on Mackay’s tourism, economy and the environment.
Mirani’s Julie and Michael Day showed up to ask about the release of the geotechnical studies and whether alternatives were being considered.
“Will they change the roads up to Eungella?” she said.
“People are very upset”.
Grandmother Anne Hall came to ask whether there was a “plan B”.
“What about the tourism and the animals?” she asked.
Joel Owens and Tahnae Healey added there was not “much else” in the valley aside from tourism.
“People like to go to Eungella to see the Platypus,” Ms Healey said.
Finch Hatton Progress Association president Bill Cross said he was looking for transparency in the environmental impact statement and hydrological studies.
He wants the studies paid for by the state government but conducted by external, independent investigators.
“Absolutely, totally independent, by someone we can trust,” he said.
“Make sure it all stacks up.”
He also wanted more detail on how services would be maintained in the upper valley and the impact on schools and water quality.
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