Petition

To Petition Recipients

• The Queensland Government;

• Queensland Hydro;

• Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement, Mick de Brenni MP;

• Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs, Meaghan Scanlon MP;

• Minister for the Environment and Water, The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP;

• Shadow Minister for Environment and Shadow Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Jonathon Duniam;

• Shadow Minister for Water, Shadow Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Perin Davey;

• Senator for Queensland,Greens Leader in the Senate, Larissa Waters;

• Leader of the Australian Greens, Federal Member for Melbourne, Workplace Relations

• Climate Change and Energy, Adam Brandt;

 

Subject

Petition to Stop the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project and Protect Eungella and Surrounding Communities

 

To those addressed above,

We, the undersigned citizens of Australia, are deeply concerned about the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro project and the potential negative impacts it poses on the pristine environment of Eungella and the surrounding communities, including Dalrymple Heights, Netherdale, Finch Hatton, Broken River, Crediton, the Pioneer Valley, and Mackay. 

 

Eungella is renowned for its lush rainforests, beautiful rivers, and diverse wildlife. It is home to many rare and endemic animal and plant species, some of which are threatened to near extinction. The proposed Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro scheme directly and indirectly impacts critical habitat protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld NC Act).

 

Of particular concern is the potential harm to the platypus population and their sensitive breeding areas. The project threatens to harm the ecosystem and local economy, while undermining conservation efforts for this unique and iconic species. It is imperative that the project proponents, government, and stakeholders understand the detrimental impact the project will have on the platypus and their habitat and explore alternative locations or solutions to meet green energy goals.

 

The Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro project also raises concerns about potential cross-catchment contamination, water quality issues, and the impact on the Great Barrier Reef. The protection of waterways in Eungella and the Pioneer Valley is paramount, and any potential harm to these delicate ecosystems should not be disregarded.

 

Additionally, the project's negative impact could lead to the closure of Eungella State School, a crucial educational institution for the local community.

 

Furthermore, pumped hydro facilities around the world and in Australia have a history of negative environmental impacts, community disruption, cost overruns, and poor performance.

 

It is essential to consider alternative solutions that promote sustainable and responsible energy storage. 

 

Therefore, we, the undersigned, respectfully request an immediate and permanent halt to all planning and actions related to the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project. We urge you to suspend the project and seek alternative solutions or locations, and prioritise the protection of Eungella's unique environment and the well-being of our communities.

 

By taking these measures, you will demonstrate a commitment to responsible development, environmental conservation, and the preservation of our natural heritage for future generations.

 

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.