State MPs visit Mackay to hear feedback on the Pioneer-Burdekin hydro project

As a major piece of renewable energy infrastructure is being planned for Mackay, questions still remain as to where workers will be housed to build it.

On a site inspection and Community outreach mission in North Queensland, the State Resources and Transport Committee have stopped in Mackay to speak with community organisation. Picture: Queensland Hydro

A Mackay business group is raising the alarm on where 2000 workers will be housed while a major piece of renewable energy infrastructure is built — with no clear answers offered publicly.

The Transport and Resources Committee, responsible for the Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project, heard from the Mackay Chamber of Commerce during a public forum.

The committee, made up of six MPs, were met with criticism about the “centrepiece” of the state’s renewables strategy, the Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project.

It ‘stores’ renewable energy by using solar, wind to push water up to an elevated point. When energy is needed the water is released, which then spins turbines to generate electricity.

Speaking on behalf of the Mackay Chamber of Commerce was Enlightened Financial Solutions planner, James Wortley.

He said the group is concerned for Mackay’s capacity to handle the 2000 full-time workers needed during construction.

“Where are we going to house them?” asked Mr Wortley.

“There’s not a lot of opportunities for people to move to Mackay due to our lack of housing availability.

“We need to see a plan to cater for the people who are required for the project.”

The proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Hydro project will involve the destruction of at least 50 homes.

Transport and Resources Committee member Les Walker responded that Mackay council “will have a city plan on what the housing areas will look like”.

Mackay is currently in a housing and rental crisis, with the vacancy rate less than half a per cent.

The Daily Mercury put 50 of our reader’s Pioneer-Burdekin questions to Queensland Hydro in September, including where workers would be housed during construction, and if workers camps would be built.

At the time, a spokesman said temporary sites may be needed and, “Queensland Hydro would seek input from a range of stakeholders including Mackay Regional Council as part of the site selection process”.
Council Planning, Growth and Sustainability Director Aletta Nugent said there had been some high-level initial discussions with Queensland Hydro when the project was first announced.

She said there had been no recent discussions with council about a workers’ camp for the project.

The proposed $12bn hydro power project aims to meet more than half of Queensland's energy needs by 2035, but has received criticism for a lack of consultation with the community.

According to Mr Wortley, Chamber members thought it came out of the blue.

“I’d never heard of the project before, so I was very surprised,” he said.

The Mackay region mayor was unaware of the project and unconsulted prior to the announcement.

State MP for MacAllister Melissa McMahon, acting chairman of the Transport and Resources Committee, said the project will touch every part of Queensland, showing the benefits of decentralised renewable energy.

“Towns in regional Queensland can be hubs of solar and wind energy,” Ms McMahon said.

“In order to do that we also need the backbone infrastructure up and down the coat to ensure efficient transmission.

“This is a build that is going to turn Mackay into the powerhouse of regional Queensland.”

The committee were unable to answer some of the Chamber’s specific questions.

“Is there enough available land to continue to keep on growing?” Mr Wortley asked.

“Will there be extra work associated with service providers to grow housing?”

“Mackay has the opportunity to be a huge power hub, not just creating energy, but its transmission”, said MP for MacAllister Melissa McMahon. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Mr Wortley told the Committee that the Chamber was hesitant to support their plan to make Mackay into a “powerhouse” due to “poor communication” between the Government and stakeholders.

“I think there needs to be improved communication between state government and the councils to make sure the plans are in place to provide housing,” he said.

Mr Wortley also echoed concerns from the public about the potential destruction of 50 homes and the impact on wildlife and habitats.

“There are people up there who have little springs and water holes, they don’t know what will happen to that environment of theirs.”

The location of the proposed reservoirs for the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project. Picture: Contributed

Mrs McMahon felt that their meeting was a success in “consulting with the community”.

“It’s really good we got out of Brisbane,” she said

“It’s making sure we do it the right way and sustainably.”

Despite voicing his concerns to the public, Mr Wortley and the chamber, believe that the pumped hydro project will be “a good thing”.

Originally published as State MPs visit Mackay to hear feedback on the Pioneer-Burdekin hydro project