Pumped hydro works like a battery, where electricity is ‘stored’ by pumping water uphill, and ‘generated’ by releasing water downhill through underground turbines.

Pumped hydro can be turned on and off quickly and can operate across a range of weather conditions. This ensures that energy is available when it is needed most.

Construction is scheduled to start in late 2026 (subject to approvals) and operations are scheduled to commence in 2032.

During project origination, eight sites in the region were investigated and assessed based on capital cost, accessibility, sustainability, ecological sensitivity, environmental values and ability to meet project needs. The selected site offered the best balance of technical suitability for pumped hydro and the lowest potential impact on the surrounding environment.

The land is primarily used for cattle grazing and is sparse ironbark woodland. Importantly, the proposed project does not impact on internationally important wetlands (Ramsar wetland) or the Great Barrier Reef. The Burdekin catchment connects with the ocean over 300km away from the project site. The project is not located in the rainforest typically associated with the Clarke or Eungella ranges and is approximately 3km away from Crediton Forest Reserve, 6km from Crediton State Forest and 6km from Eungella National Park.

The proposed lower reservoir of the pumped hydro will be located approximately 6km downstream of the existing Eungella Dam, on the Broken River. Aquatic fauna in the project area is limited due to the prior modification of water flows. The river is made up of natural rock barriers, so the habitat for aquatic species within the lower reservoir is marginal and the river remains dry for extended periods.

The upper reservoir is located 300m in elevation above the lower reservoir on the high country west of the Broken River and sits within a wide undulating valley. The land is made up of grassy rolling terrain with small gullies, and sparse trees.

The site's proximity to Powerlink's existing high voltage transmission network, access to water from Eungella Dam, and connection to the region's existing transport network and skilled workforce, built up by the existing mining sector, offer significant advantages for the successful delivery of the project.

We recognise that the project will have some environmental impacts however, selecting this location for the project allows us to minimise those impacts while also contributing to Queensland's energy goals.

The construction of any large project will have some community impact. These impacts need to be identified and assessed as part of the project’s EIS. Management plans will detail how the project will manage potential risks and comply with all relevant laws, regulations and approval conditions. 

A transport study has been undertaken to identify the best route for the project. This will be outlined in the EIS. Construction and traffic management plans will help to reduce impacts on the local community.

The draft EIS for the project is expected to be available for public display and comment in late 2025 prior to final assessment and subsequent approvals.

We reached and signed an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with the Widi People in 2022 and the ILUA has been formally registered.

Outside of this formal process, the project team are continuing to look for ways to adopt strategies that address historical exclusions, ensure cultural preservation, and align with the Widi's aspirations for sustainable development and economic empowerment. Widi Cultural Heritage Monitors are regularly invited to be present on-site during any ground disturbance activities, ensuring that any cultural findings are managed appropriately and respectfully by the Traditional Owners. We are also working with the Widi People throughout the EIS process to ensure that traditional knowledge and methods are incorporated into our environmental protection and offset management strategies.

Our consultation with the Widi People emphasises the necessity of a partnership model that respects cultural values, integrates traditional knowledge, and promotes shared benefits.

The project is privately owned and is pursuing a commercial power and capacity usage arrangement with a government-owned corporation.

A project of this size requires large machinery be delivered to site. At this stage, we expect the large equipment will come from the Port of Mackay to Nebo via the Peak Downs Highway and then into the project site via the Suttor Development Road, Turrawulla Road and Lizzie Creek Road. 

We do not intend to bring large pieces of machinery through Eungella township or Eungella National Park.

The project team is continuing to work directly with local landholders and councils on the final transport routes, which will be subject to regulatory approval.

We are exploring options for the temporary workforce accommodation camp location, and this will be included in the draft EIS.

The temporary camp will need to be located near the project site and will be in operation for the full duration of the construction period.