While Sebastian Padget might be focussing on his year 12 exams, his role as the Youth Member for Whitsunday has other things on his mind, including the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project proposed by the Queensland Government in September.
The outgoing Mackay Northern Beaches State High School Captain has filled the role of Youth Member for Whitsunday throughout the year and is passionate about young people having their voices heard.
“I’ve been watching it (the pumped hydro announcement) with a bit of interest, and I think that, as a young person, it’s so important that we get our voice out there,” Sebastian said.
“A big issue surrounding this project is the amount of voices that are being heard.
“I know that there’s been certain consultation periods that have been allowed for our community, however I think a lot of it is insufficient.
“I think the community of Netherdale deserves more consultation, I think the wider Mackay region deserves more consultation to ensure that $65 billion is being well spent.”
Sebastian said he is not inherently against pumped hydro but believes that the proposed investment in the project could be better directed elsewhere, including into the housing crisis, the healthcare system and roads.
“I think it’s important that we are looking at all energy streams, however, I think that when they are proposing $65 billion, that can go a long way in a lot of areas,” he said.
“We’ve had projects that we’ve wanted here in the northern Beaches such as duplicating the Mackay-Bucasia Road.
“There’s been a lot of projects like that where we’ve needed infrastructure and I think now, communities across Queensland, can be certain that if they ever hear that there’s not enough money for a certain project, there is.”
Upon graduating high school, Sebastian aims to visit the residents of the Netherdale region to hear how they’ll be affected by the proposed hydro project.
“They’ve been quite vocal up in Netherdale, which is awesome, and they have a right to be frustrated,” he said.
“Across the region, there’s a very tough debate going on.
“I think it’s really important that, especially young people, we should get a voice in this, as should everyone.
“At the end of the day, they are proposing a $65 billion project which, if it goes ahead, will impact generations to come.
“As much as I can as the Youth Member of Whitsunday, I’ll make sure that young people do get a voice in this.”
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