Qld government delivers $5m to Imbil on back of Borumba Dam hydro plan

The state government has agreed to inject $5million into the Mary Valley as it pushes forward with its plan to transform Borumba Dam into a multibillion-dollar renewable energy powerhouse.

The state government (Energy Minister Mick de Brenni pictured) has agreed to pump millions of dollars into Imbil as it pushes forward with its controversial plan to transform Borumba Dam into a renewable energy powerhouse.

Generating renewable energy for tens of thousands of homes may be the ultimate goal for the $14 billion Borumba Dam pumped hydro project, but it is also powering the region forward in other ways.

The Mary Valley township of Imbil is getting a $5 million injection on the back of pumped hydro, a boost which a press release from Energy Minister Mick de Brenni’s office said was just the start of what the project would put back into the region.

The investment would help restore family health care in Imbil, deliver walking and riding trails, and push forward plans to build a second stage of the Mary Valley rail trail.

Mr de Brenni said in Imbil on Wednesday the money would also help restore GP services, with the town not having had a doctor for the past year.

The state government has promised a multimillion-dollar “tranche” of investments in Imbil and its surrounds as part of its ongoing efforts to build a $14 billion renewable energy plant at the nearby Borumba Dam.

Where further investment would be spent would be decided by community consultation, with a draft of the Community Benefits Framework now open for feedback until Friday, April 24.

“We’ve heard what the community needs, and the impact of restoring local health services cannot be overstated,” Mr de Brenni said.

“We’ve chosen this site for its location close to large population centres and its good elevation, which also means its downhill and cross country mountain biking potential is huge,” he said.

“The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project is one of two that are critical to ensuring Queensland meets its renewable energy targets, and it’s crucial we work with relevant communities and the local councils to get this right.

Environmental groups have raised concerns about the full impact the proposed Borumba Dam would have on nearby habitats, which are home to a number of endangered species. Picture: Christine Schindler

“We’re more determined than ever to deliver to the region things the locals want, and need, and following the closure of the local Imbil GP clinic 12 months ago, we’re proud to be delivering this key service back to the community.”

While the state government is moving forward with the project, not everyone is fully on-board.

Environmental groups have raised concerns as to the extent of its impact on habitats around the dam, and whether it can adhere to environment regulations.

The dam and Mary River are home to a number of endangered species, including the Mary River cod and the Mary River turtle.

The protection of these animals was a key factor in the killing of the controversial Traveston dam project in 2009.

Proposed high voltage power lines linking the dam to the state power grid have sparked backlash in Kilkivan and Widgee, where most landholders will be impacted.

Originally published as Qld government delivers $5m to Imbil on back of Borumba Dam hydro plan