Qld government gives $50m boost to Mt Rawdon gold mine energy plans
Plans to turn an old regional Qld gold mine into a $3.3 billion renewable energy hub have been given a boost by the state government to keep the project moving.
Central & North Burnett
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central & North Burnett. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Plans to transform an old North Burnett gold mine into a $3.3 billion renewable energy hub have been given a boost with the LNP state government investing $50 million to keep the project moving.
The funding to the Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro project, injected through Queensland’s publicly-owned energy generator and retailer CleanCo, will help propel the plans towards a final decision on investment.
Under the proposal the old mine, located about 75km southwest of Bundaberg near Mt Perry, would be repurposed into a 2000 Megawatt renewable energy facility.
The project would include the construction of water way tunnels between the dam’s two storage area, an underground power station, and the upgrade or duplication of the existing water line which runs to Paradise Dam.
The project is a joint proposal between Evolution Mining and advisory firm ICA Partners.
Each owns half of the project.
North Burnett Regional Council Mayor Les Hotz welcomed the funding.
“This is exciting news for the Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro, Evolution Mining and for the North Burnett region and a great signal of confidence in the possibilities and opportunities available in this region,” Mr Hotz said in a council statement Thursday.
“We congratulate Evolution Mining – which has been a key contributor to the economic and social fabric of this region for over a decade – for achieving this significant milestone and our Council looks forward to working with them through the next phases of this project.”
Not everyone has been on-board with the proposal since its inception, though.
Bundaberg farmers have raised concerns the proposed hydro plant would take 24,000ML of water from Paradise Dam.
The dam is still at a reduced capacity as a result of flood damage in 2013, with plans to repair it experiencing ongoing delays and now expected to cost $4.4 billion.
Originally published as Qld government gives $50m boost to Mt Rawdon gold mine energy plans
Teen injured after cow encounter west of Bundaberg
Emergency services rushed to a private property west of Bundaberg after reports a teenager suffered injuries after a cow related incident. MORE.
Truck driver hurt, diesel spills after B-double rollover
A truck driver has been injured, and emergency crews are working to clean up a diesel spill after a rollover in the South Burnett.
Stepdad’s ‘misguided’ sex-ed method after boy gets first phone
After his stepson was given a mobile phone for his birthday, a Qld man put it to use in a way which would end in criminal charges.
‘Until she passed out’: Armed stalker strangles, brutally bashes ex
This 21-year-old Qld man stalked, threatened and savagely attacked a young woman, at one point holding a knife to her throat. *Distressing.
Watch the mini doco: Survivor’s fight for justice after harrowing rape
While walking home, a young woman was targeted by a teenage predator whose sickening acts changed her life forever. She’s now sharing her harrowing story in the hopes she can help other women speak out. WATCH THE MINI DOCO
Named: Email fail exposes pedophile’s 300+ ‘real children’ pics
A convicted Victorian pedophile has re-emerged in Qld after a basic mistake uncovered horrific new offending by a predator who is now on anti-libido drugs to try and “control his compulsions”.