Queensland Hydro is inviting comments on its draft preliminary documentation, which the Federal Government is assessing as part of the approval process for the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project’s proposed exploratory works.
The Borumba Project will be delivered in two stages: exploratory works and main works, with exploratory works first. These works will confirm the site’s suitability, especially geotechnical conditions and the placement of the underground cavern, and support detailed design assessments.
Stakeholders, including local communities, business owners, environmental groups, and the public, are invited to provide feedback on the draft documentation. The public comment period opened on Friday 14 February 2025, and will close at midday on Monday 10 March.
The draft preliminary documentation outlines the current state of the environment, the proposed exploratory works activities, their potential environmental impacts, and any strategies Queensland Hydro will use to avoid, minimise or offset these impacts.
Exploratory works include surface geotechnical investigations, such as drilling boreholes, test-pitting, and tunnelling. A range of supporting works enable access to those activities and accommodate the workforce.
Queensland Hydro Executive General Manager of Communities and Environment, Natasha Patterson, said Australian planning and environmental laws typically encourage public participation during the approval process. This standard step will help ensure the proposed exploratory works are delivered properly.
“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 details the proposed exploratory works activities and explains our approach to avoiding, minimising or offsetting any impacts. Our teams are working hard to minimise our impact on natural and cultural values and provide lasting, positive impacts for the environment and local communities.
“Anyone wishing to 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 assist with accessing the documentation or submitting a comment, so please get in touch with us with any questions.”
Once the public comment period closes, Queensland Hydro will consider the comments received, prepare a summary report explaining how the comments were addressed, and update the preliminary documentation where appropriate. This report will then be provided to DCCEEW for their assessment. Queensland Hydro will publish the summary of public comments and our responses on our website.
“There will be many more opportunities over the next couple of years to influence and provide comment about the Borumba Project’s main works through informal engagement as well as formal or regulatory public comment processes associated with the project’s second stage,” Ms Patterson said.
Those interested in publicly commenting on the preliminary documentation are encouraged to do so via the Queensland Hydro website. Submissions can be made online, by email, or by calling the Borumba Project team on 1800 433 939.
