Borumba Dam Pumped Storage Hydro and accommodation
There has been a lot of discussion about the proposed new Borumba Pumped Hydro Project. While this is something that will continue to be discussed both with local communities and at a state level. There has been an increase in the number of workers to the area and for many accommodation and food industries.
Project overview
According to the Department of Energy and Public Works.
“The Queensland Government has committed $6 billion in the 2023-24 budget to build the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project, subject to environmental approvals.
Ultimately the project is estimated to cost $14.2 billion and is the biggest single investment in Queensland’s energy infrastructure in decades.
The project is a 2,000 megawatt (MW) pumped hydro energy storage facility at Lake Borumba, located near Imbil, 45 minutes south-west of Gympie.
The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project is a cornerstone of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and will provide the long duration energy storage needed for a reliable, renewable energy system. The project will deliver cleaner, reliable and affordable energy for all Queenslanders.
The project will accelerate the decarbonisation of Queensland’s energy system, providing the long duration energy storage needed to achieve our renewable energy targets of 70% by 2032 and 80% by 2035. At peak construction, the project will also deliver an estimated 2,300 jobs and economic opportunities for Queensland businesses.”
Latest Steps
While companies and suppliers are encouraged to complete Expression of Interest (EOI) this year and into 2024 with the information available through QTenders.
An important step that we believe in, is making sure it is supporting local businesses. We will continue to chase this up with government and other key personal so that the many local businesses throughout the Sunshine Coast Hinterland will be able to prosper with the influx of people to the area.
The latest EOI is for Underground works – Tunnel Drilling. This will likely bring contractors and suppliers to the area over the next year as the phase is awarded next August.
Accommodation
For companies looking for accommodation to house workers and contractors in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Kenilworth Country Cabins is in Kenilworth and within driving range of Imbil and many locations for the hydro project.
With a recent announcement by QLD Hydro that they have leased the old medical centre on Imbil Island Road in Imbil. This will be the main office for Queensland Hydro workers in the preparation of the project. Imbil is a 17 minute drive from Kenilworth.
Our cabins are new, with construction completed at the start of the year and first bookings were in February. We have had a range of contractors and businesses stay with us from a range of industries and they were happy with the location and easy walking distance to local facilities.
One and two bedroom cabins area available, for more information see our booking link or give us a call.