A multibillion-dollar energy initiative has taken a leap forward with the recent completion of onsite temporary accommodation for up to 84 workers.
The temporary rapid deployment camp (RDC) has been established at the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project west of the Sunshine Coast.
The proposed project is expected to provide reliable and renewable energy across Queensland.
In June the Queensland Government transferred oversight of Queensland Hydro to Queensland Investment Corporation.
QIC’s current focus is delivering a refreshed business case and commercial assessment for the proposed Borumba project that is aligned to the Queensland Government’s five-year energy roadmap strategy and meets the state’s future energy needs.
The refreshed business case is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
Queensland Hydro is currently undertaking early works, technical investigations, project planning, design and community work while regulatory approvals continue to be progressed.
Its work includes site preparations and the construction of temporary accommodation camps to house its workforce.
The Walkers Top RDC comprises 60 temporary buildings, which were delivered and installed within the project site over the past few months.
It’s the first stage of a larger temporary workers accommodation camp (TWAC) that would be able to house up to 336 workers.
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
The new RDC is being used to to accommodate about 30 Queensland Hydro staff and contractors involved in early construction work on the site, including preparations for the TWAC, which will include a wellness room, gym facility, running track, social room and laundry facilities.
Queensland Hydro’s executive general manager of delivery Geoff Scott said the milestone represented a step forward in the progress of the Borumba project.
“By progressively building temporary workers camps on-site now, we can sustainably accommodate the gradually increasing workforce, while at the same time reducing the need to occupy local accommodation and reducing individual vehicle movements in the regions,” Mr Scott said.
“Our camp is also providing the right conditions to look after the welfare and safety of our workforce by drastically cutting their commute times each day.
“This ensures we are managing fatigue and providing workers the opportunity to relax and recharge sooner after a long day’s work.”
In addition to early works being underway, Queensland Hydro is continuing to seek regulatory approvals for the exploratory works phase of the project.
Exploratory works will include further investigations and development of the proposed site and will inform the final project design.
