Mackay mayoral contenders reveal thoughts on Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro

From a stern ‘Damn the Dam’ view to plans to make Labor ‘squirm’, Greg Williamson, Laurence Bonaventura and Steve Jackson go on the record for Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro scheme.

Mayoral candidates for the 2024 Mackay Regional Council (from left): incumbent mayor Greg Williamson, Steve Jackson, and incumbent councillor Laurence Bonaventura, at the Mackay Chamber of Commerce annual mayor's debate. Picture: Heidi Petith

Arguably one of the most divisive issues in the Mackay region this decade is the proposed pumped hydro scheme for the Pioneer Valley.

While this publication earlier revealed the state government may not announce whether it will push through with the project until after the October election, how your next mayor feels about the proposal may influence your vote at the March 16 council elections.

And so, we asked the three Mackay Regional Council mayoral candidates to tell you, in about 200 words, what they thought of the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project.

Read their full answers below.

Greg Williamson

Contrary to what some people believe, I have never said I support the project at Eungella.

My job as mayor is to work with the government of the day to get the best for our community.

My position is that this is the right project for Queensland’s energy future, just in the wrong location.

The pumped hydro project over the back of the range in the Turrawulla area is the project we should be supporting.

The Capricorn Energy Hub is about three years further advanced than Queensland Hydro’s Eungella proposal.

Their project is all on private property.

Their transmission lines will go west to hook into the grid - not through the valley.

Their construction equipment will come in through Lizzie Creek Rd so that will have to be upgraded — which is what we need as the secondary access to Eungella in emergencies.

In my opinion, the Queensland Hydro Eungella project has zero chance of being funded.

The number of unanswered questions in the geotechnical design; the huge environmental challenges they face; and the lack of bipartisan support would seem to me to be showstoppers.

Then, there is the cost. With a renewed focus on financial responsibility as the state election looms, the government will not want to discuss the eye-watering estimates before October.

That’s probably the reason the first project report to the parliament has been moved from July to after the election.

Just saying as mayor of the Mackay region “I will not support this project “ is useless.

If the state wants to build it, they will build it.

They will resume the land whatever it is zoned and do it.

Our job is to focus on the questions that will make them squirm politically.

The cost. The geotechnical issues. The environmental issues.

That is what I will continue to do.

Laurence Bonaventura

Discussing the effect loss of properties will have on local schools, shops and businesses, including the loss of workforce in the area, needs to be addressed urgently.

As Mayor I will work with the community and Queensland Hydro to find solutions and have these in place if the government approves it.

Working with residents to find ideas and solutions to stay in the area, this may include encouraging Queensland Hydro to provide a site for a new Netherdale.

This will require council involvement to change the planning scheme for a new residential area.

Burying our heads in the sand and saying “NO” to this project will not stop this from happening.

We need to be prepared and if we wait any longer it will be too late to find the new Netherdale.

Pumped hydro will be a major step towards reducing our reliance on coal fired power stations.

Yes, there will be an effect on the landscapes in the Netherdale — Eungella regions if this goes ahead.

Like any disruption of the surroundings it will repair over time, just like Teemburra Dam and Eungella Dam that flooded large areas.

My position is that I support the ongoing feasibility study which will provide a report to government on the suitability of the area for the project.

Steve Jackson

I believe it’s important for a Mayor to stand up for the region when higher levels of government are doing the wrong thing.

The proposed pumped hydro-electricity scheme near Eungella and Netherdale is a perfect example of a government doing the wrong thing.

This dam threatens local homes, local farms, and our local environment.

People’s lives have been uprooted by this proposal.

And the beautiful farming land in the Valley, once underwater, is lost forever.

The impact on native animals will also be catastrophic.

Our region is already struggling with workforce and housing shortages.

This project will only worsen those problems, pushing rental prices up and taking away potential tourist accommodation.

My team — ‘Jacko’s Team - Mackay First’ — opposes the pumped hydro scheme.

If elected, we will tell the government, in no uncertain terms, that we’re opposed to it, and we will explore options we have available to stop it.

Some of our opponents say this is a State Government matter, but local leadership is essential.

The council must be a voice for the region, not a bystander.

We refuse to sit on the fence.

We stand with the locals of the Pioneer Valley to say “Damn the Dam”.