Queensland Hydro has commenced the first round of work packages for the highly anticipated Borumba pumped hydro mega project, valued at $14 billion. The initial phase of the project consists of nine work packages, encompassing underground works, geotechnical investigations, drilling, civil and construction, temporary accommodation, and site services. Concurrently, geotechnical investigation works have commenced on July 10, representing a significant milestone following the Queensland Government's funding decision to support the project. This field work marks the first major step since the project received government backing.

To generate interest in the work packages, the company recently organized industry briefings that received an overwhelmingly positive response. The briefings, held in Brisbane, Caloundra, and Gympie, attracted a combined total of over 750 attendees, with nearly 450 individuals present in person and the rest participating online. Attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack and other senior members of the company's team. Cusack expressed his excitement about launching the work packages and collaborating with competent contractors and suppliers to deliver a world-class asset.

The Borumba Pumped Hydro project aims to contribute to the transformation of Queensland's energy system by providing clean, secure, and reliable energy. Located near Imbil, close to Lake Borumba, the project is a 2000MW pumped storage facility. Its development is expected to create approximately 2000 jobs, offering significant employment opportunities for people in Queensland.

Cusack emphasized Queensland Hydro's commitment to engaging with local communities and project stakeholders, stating, "Queensland Hydro wants our Borumba Pumped Hydro Project to be a project of choice for Queensland businesses and workers. I'm thrilled to be able to launch these work packages and to partner with strong, capable contractors and suppliers to deliver a world-class asset."

In addition to the work packages, the project will undergo an environmental impact assessment process, scheduled to begin in the second half of 2023. This assessment will evaluate the project's environmental, social, and economic impacts and identify measures to avoid, mitigate, and offset potential issues. Community input will be sought during the assessment process to ensure their perspectives are taken into account.

Geotechnical investigation work, planned from July to November 2023, will be conducted in the vicinity of Borumba Dam. The purpose of these investigations is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ground and groundwater conditions in the area. The data collected will contribute to the project's environmental assessment.

Cusack confirmed that the necessary authorizations for geotechnical drilling have been obtained, and the company has engaged with both the State and Federal governments regarding environmental and planning permits for this work. The geotechnical investigations are separate from the project's current Federal Government referral for exploratory works, which are expected to commence later in 2023.

The geotechnical work will involve a small crew utilizing drilling rigs, excavators, handheld equipment, backhoes, and trucks. Activities will include drilling and backfilling small boreholes, non-intrusive survey work, and the installation of water monitoring bores. The duration of the crew's stay at each borehole site will vary based on ground conditions but is estimated to be approximately two weeks.