The public has been invited to comment on proposed exploratory works for a multibillion-dollar energy initiative.
Feedback is being sought on draft preliminary documentation for the initial phase of the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project, west of the Sunshine Coast.
It is expected to provide reliable and renewable energy across Queensland.
The exploratory works will include investigations to confirm the suitability of the project’s location and to enable detailed design.
Local communities, business owners and environmental groups located near the project, along with the general public, have been invited to have their say on it until March 10.
The draft preliminary documentation outlines the current state of the environment, the proposed exploratory works activities, potential impacts of the proposed activities on the environment, and any strategies that Queensland Hydro will use to avoid, minimise or offset impacts.
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 public participation would help the proposed exploratory works to be delivered in the right way.
“We welcome comments from the public because we know that our Borumba project is ultimately better off when we have input from our neighbours and local communities,” she said.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
“Our teams are working hard to ensure we minimise our impact on natural and cultural values and provide lasting, positive impacts for both the environment and local communities.”
Queensland Hydro will consider the comments received, prepare a summary report that explains how the comments were addressed and update the preliminary documentation, where appropriate.
This will then be provided to the state government for assessment and Queensland Hydro will publish the summary of public comments and responses on our website.
The planned exploratory works for the project will inform the detailed design of it. Then, the main works stage of the project will include 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.
“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. Submissions can be made online, by email (borumba@qldhydro.com.au), or by calling the Borumba Project team on 1800 433 939.
A copy of the draft preliminary documentation can be found on the Queensland Hydro website or a hardcopy can be viewed at Imbil Library, Kilcoy Library and the State Library.
