Hydro Project Scrapped As $36B Price Tag Exposed

The Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project, once a key part of Queensland’s energy future, has officially been scrapped by the newly-elected LNP Government. After releasing a detailed report into the project’s feasibility, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie confirmed it was neither financially viable nor environmentally sustainable, citing an overwhelming $36 billion cost. For many local residents, the decision brought a sense of relief after years of uncertainty, with concerns about transparency and community consultation now coming to light. As Mr Bleijie put it, “Queenslanders were kept in the dark.” The LNP now looks to shift its focus to smaller, more feasible energy solutions for the state.

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Glen Kelly spoke to locals in Eungella last weekend to confirm the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro scheme would not proceed. Photo supplied

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LNP Confirms Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project Axed

The newly-elected State Government has officially confirmed that the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project will not proceed, following the release of the project’s Detailed Analytical Report.
The report highlighted that the proposed project was deemed not financially viable and not environmentally appropriate, with significant concerns raised about the lack of community consultation. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said that the analysis revealed that the estimated cost of the project would have imposed a staggering $15,653 burden on each Queensland household, contributing to the total projected cost of approximately $36 billion—an amount that he said the previous government had not disclosed during its campaign.
Mr Bleijie addressed these concerns at a press conference held in Mackay on Tuesday November 5, and said, “Steven Miles during the election campaign refused to release the costings of the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro scheme, and now we reveal that it was a $36 billion project.
“Not only that, the government’s own report says it was not commercially viable. It didn't stack up and recommended it not proceed.
“The Labor government had a lot of questions to answer. How is it that the Liberal National Party government within 48 hours of forming government was able to ascertain that the project was not commercially viable and cost $36 billion?”
Newly elected Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton echoed Mr Bleijie's sentiments in Mackay, reflecting on the emotional response from the community following the announcement.
“It was a relief to hear the news,” he shared.
"Just a few days ago, I was with Premier David Crisafulli up in Eungella, witnessing incredibly emotional scenes as residents of Netherdale, Eungella, and Finch Hatton learned that the pumped hydro project would not go ahead. For many, it was a moment of relief, and they finally felt as though their voices had been heard and their concerns valued once again.
“There were emotions which I had rarely seen when there’s an announcement from a politician.
“This is actual politics in our regions.”
The LNP said that the report also indicated that the project could not be built in time to meet Queensland’s emissions targets, highlighting a need for a shift in focus.
“We want to explore smaller pumped hydro projects that can be delivered without burdening the taxpayer,” Mr Bleijie remarked.
“It’s crucial that we look for viable solutions that work for our communities and our environment.”
As the LNP government moves forward, it aims to resettle communities impacted by the project’s halt and support local businesses.
“We want to resettle those communities,” Mr Bleijie said.
“We want businesses that are struggling to thrive again and people back in their communities to support those local businesses.”
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‍Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton held a press conference in Mackay on Tuesday to confirm the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project would not proceed. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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