Feedback sought on first stage of Borumba hydro works

A public comment period opens today as part of the approvals process for the first stage of work on the Borumba pumped hydro project, west of the Sunshine Coast. Queensland Hydro is inviting comments on its draft preliminary documentation which is being assessed by the Commonwealth Government for the project’s proposed exploratory works. The exploratory works are stage one of the project, to be followed by main works. Their purpose is to carry out investigations to confirm the suitability of the Borumba project’s location, specifically the geotechnical conditions across the site, and will also enable detailed design. Stakeholders including neighbours, local communities, business owners and environmental groups located near the site, along with the general public, are invited to participate in the process by providing their comments on the draft preliminary documentation. The public comment period opens today and will close at midday on March 10. Related: Treasurer points to major Borumba hydro cost blowout Exploratory works include surface geotechnical investigations such as drilling boreholes, test-pitting and tunnelling. There are also a range of supporting works to enable access for those activities and to accommodate the workforce. Queensland Hydro executive general manager of communities and environment, Natasha Patterson, said Australian planning and environmental laws typically built in participation by the public during the approvals process, and this standard step would help the proposed exploratory works be delivered in the right way. “The draft documentation steps through the proposed exploratory works activities in detail and explains our approach to avoiding, minimising or offsetting any impacts," she said. The main works stage of the Borumba Project relates to the construction of the infrastructure required to operate the scheme, such as the reservoirs, tunnels and an underground power station. Queensland Hydro is seeking separate approvals for these works, which will be assessed through an Environmental Impact Statement. “There will be many more opportunities over the next couple of years to influence and provide comment in relation to the Borumba project’s main works through informal engagement as well as formal or regulatory public comment processes associated with the second stage of the project,” Ms Patterson said. Those interested in making a public comment on the preliminary documentation are encouraged to do so via the Queensland Hydro website. You may also like: https://industryqld.com.au/evolution-founder-to-focus-on-hydro-ambitions-after-role-change/

Feedback sought on first stage of Borumba hydro works

Industry Queensland

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