Diesel generators used on major green energy project after managers ‘forget’ mains power

Diesel generators will help deliver a near $1bn project to service Queensland’s growing renewable energy industry after managers forgot to organise mains power. But the state government says One Nation claims on the subject are ‘blatant lies’.

Sections of pipe used in the Fitzroy-to-Gladstone pipeline

Diesel generators will be hauled in to help deliver a near $1bn project to service Queensland’s growing renewable energy industry amid claims managers ‘forgot’ to organise mains power.

It is a claim the government has denied.

Queensland’s $983m Fitzroy-to-Gladstone pipeline will stretch 117km to improve water security and help service Gladstone’s emerging green hydrogen industry, which has attracted investors such as Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue.

However, a source familiar with the pipeline project said the Gladstone Area Water Board was yet to organise high-voltage mains power to service pumps and a large water treatment plant needed when it opens in 2026.

It is a claim rejected by Water Minister Glenn Butcher, who labelled them “blatant lies”.

A spokeswoman for the water board said it had made the relevant applications to power provider Ergon Energy for high-voltage electricity supply, but diesel generators would be procured.

“Gladstone Area Water Board continues to engage with Ergon Energy on the permanent high-voltage electricity connection to the Alton Downs Water Treatment Plant. This accompanying infrastructure is scheduled for delivery by Ergon in 2025,” she said.

One Nation candidate James Ashby

“Diesel generators will be purchased by the FGP to maintain water supply in the event of a power outage as a risk mitigation measure and may be used to assist with commissioning the FGP.”

The Fitzroy-to-Gladstone pipeline is on track for completion in 2026 without blowouts – with generators paid for within the $983m budget.

One Nation candidate for Keppel James Ashby argued the state’s Big Build program was an embarrassingly big failure.

“This is the ultimate definition of incompetence … to forget to run high-voltage power lines,” he said.

“What was touted as sustainable infrastructure will now be powered by diesel-guzzling pumps that will each require a fuel reservoir to be built on site until high voltage power can be installed – some two and a half years away.

“The Miles Labor government has never delivered a project in Queensland without taxpayers incurring outrageous cost blowouts.

“When are politicians going to be held accountable?”

Mr Butcher said using diesel generators was “standard risk-management practice” for a project of this nature.

“Media reports today are incorrect and are only being fuelled by the lies of One Nation’s James Ashby,” he said.

“The only embarrassment here is the blatant lies being peddled by the One Nation candidate.

James Ashby is just as bad as the LNP.

“They promise the world and deliver nothing. One Nation are just the LNP’s reserve grade team.”

Opposition water spokeswoman Deb Frecklington slammed the government in Parliament.

“The pumping stations now have to have big diesel generators put in because the power was not connected,” she said.

“What about the water treatment plant? We know that water has to be treated, but how are they going to do it?

“I will say it will be a big diesel generator.”

Originally published as Diesel generators used on major green energy project after managers ‘forget’ mains power