As part of the regulatory approval process for the proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Project, Queensland Hydro is inviting stakeholders to have their say.
The Borumba Project is proposed to be delivered in two stages – exploratory works and main works – with exploratory works occurring first.
From Friday 14 February 2025 until Monday 10 March 2025, stakeholders will be able to have their say on the proposed exploratory works as part of the Commonwealth regulatory approval process.
Queensland Hydro Executive General Manager of Communities and Environment, Natasha Patterson, said Australian planning and environmental laws typically build in participation by the public during the approvals process, and this standard step will help the proposed exploratory works be delivered in the right way.
“We have been engaging with interested stakeholders and addressing their feedback as we have prepared the preliminary documentation. 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. For this reason, we encourage our stakeholders to review the draft documentation and to have their say on the proposed exploratory works,” Ms Patterson said.
“The draft documentation steps through the proposed exploratory works activities in detail and explains our approach to avoiding, minimising or offsetting any impacts. 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.
“Anyone wishing to make a comment can review the draft documentation on our website and complete an online submission. Email and written submissions are also accepted, and hard copies of the documentation are available to read if preferred. Our Borumba team is available to provide assistance with accessing the documentation or submitting a comment, so please contact us with any questions.”
Once the public comment period closes, 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 DCCEEW for its assessment. Queensland Hydro will publish the summary of public comments and our responses on its website.
The planned exploratory works for the Borumba Project will inform the detailed design of the Borumba Project.
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.
The draft documentation relating to the exploratory works will be available on Queensland Hydro’s website from Friday 14 February. For more information, visit the Queensland Hydro website.
