Rock Solid Commitment From Government On Pioneer-Burdekin Project

The Queensland Government said that the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project has reached its next milestone, with Premier Steven Miles visiting Mackay last week to announce that more than 5 kilometres of core samples have been collected.
“To date, more than 50 boreholes have been drilled,” the state government said.
The project is now entering its next phase, with publicly-owned energy company Queensland Hydro confirming structurally solid granite throughout the project site.
The Pioneer-Burdekin Project will store the excess energy collected from Australia’s world-leading levels of household solar, for use at night when the sun isn’t shining, the wind isn’t blowing and when energy usage is at its peak.
Local company Twin Hills Engineering and Drilling – which is undertaking the works – estimates they are injecting more than $20,000 a week into the Mackay region through purchases relating to the project.
Premier Miles said that his government is dedicated to delivering cheaper, cleaner energy.
“Our commitment to the Pioneer-Burdekin project is rock solid,” he said.
"With every drill and borehole, Pioneer-Burdekin powers up more regional jobs for small businesses like Twin Hills Engineering and Drilling, with benefits to the community to continue for decades to come.
“Reaching this 5km geotechnical milestone is proof that we're not just planning for the future—we're delivering it.”
Kieran Cusack, Queensland Hydro Chief Executive Officer said that the drilling milestone represents critical progress in the understanding of the Pioneer-Burdekin Project site and will support a robust assessment of the project through the Detailed Analytical Report (DAR) which is due to the Queensland Government by the end of 2024. 
“It is vital for important projects like the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project to invest time and effort in the initial investigative studies to obtain the most detailed information possible, and to then use that information to prepare the best possible business case for decision-makers,” Mr Cusack said.
Stephen Burt, Twin Hills Engineering and Drilling Owner and Managing Director said, “We’re going gangbusters. This project has put us in a whole new space, and has allowed us the opportunity to start working in the renewable energy industry and diversify our business.
“We’ve crewed up new rigs with locals straight from Mackay, and have brought around five or six people out of coal and into renewables.”
Advocacy group ‘Save Eungella’ has spoken out saying that their message is clear, they don’t want this project to go ahead.
“Rural Communities deserve to be heard,” a spokesperson said.
“Queensland Hydro is counting on the small, rural communities of Eungella and the surrounding areas to stay quiet, hoping their limited resources and reduced ability to generate publicity will allow this project to go ahead unchallenged.
“The voice of a person living in the bush should be valued just as much as a person living in the city.”
The project is currently in the initial investigation phase of technical studies including front-end engineering design and a range of geotechnical, environmental, cultural, social, and economic investigations are being undertaken to inform the Detailed Analytical Report (DAR).

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The Pioneer Valley and adjacent ranges have been identified for a long-duration pumped hydro facility. Photo source: Queensland Hydro

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