Recently, the executive members of Save Eungella had the opportunity to meet with Powerlink representatives to discuss the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro project. As advocates for the preservation of our beloved Eungella region, our primary objective was to gather crucial information about the project's transmission lines. We aimed to keep our community well-informed and utilize this knowledge to strengthen our opposition to the hydro project as a whole. However, what we discovered during the meeting was truly astonishing and raises serious concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the project. In this blog post, we will provide you with a summary of our meeting with Powerlink and shed light on the disconcerting state of affairs.
The Meeting with Powerlink
Our meeting with Powerlink was meant to provide clarity and insight into the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro project, specifically regarding the transmission lines. To our surprise, we quickly discovered that Powerlink had received little to no information from Queensland Hydro, the entity responsible for the hydro project. Consequently, Powerlink was unable to answer any of our questions regarding the exact locations of transmission lines and substations. It became apparent that once again Queensland Hydro is woefully uninformed and unprepared, which is deeply troubling for a project of this magnitude.
The Lack of Information
During the meeting, Save Eungella representatives sought to gain a comprehensive understanding of the transmission lines' potential impact on our community and environment. Regrettably, Powerlink's lack of information left us with more questions than answers. We were hoping to obtain details about the proposed transmission line routes and substations, as these elements would have a significant impact on the landscape, wildlife, and residents of Eungella. However, it appears that Queensland Hydro has not shared any relevant information with Powerlink, which is unacceptable considering the potential consequences of such a project.
Our Concerns
The absence of transparent communication from Queensland Hydro raises serious concerns about the decision-making process behind the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro project. How can we trust a project that fails to provide essential information to its own partners and stakeholders? Save Eungella strongly believes in the importance of open dialogue and involving local communities in decisions that affect them directly. However, the lack of transparency displayed by Queensland Hydro undermines this principle and erodes public trust.
Moving Forward
As a community committed to the preservation of Eungella, we must continue to hold Queensland Hydro accountable for its lack of transparency. We will strive to obtain the necessary information from reliable sources, ensuring that our community is well-informed about the potential consequences of the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro project. By staying informed and united, we can strengthen our opposition and work towards protecting the unique biodiversity and natural beauty of Eungella.