Drama unfolded on Friday morning when locals discovered members of Queensland Hydro's Environmental Team setting trapping devices in Cattle Creek. These trapping devices were deployed in two locations between Finch Hatton and Netherdale—an area well-known for its platypus population. Crab pots and yabbie traps pose a significant threat as platypus often enter them and eventually drown. Three years ago, two platypus were found dead after drowning in a crab pot in Broken River. Similarly, seven years ago, platypus were found dead in crab pots near Finch Hatton. This issue is well-known among locals, who are vigilant in protecting platypus and are aware of the devastating impact trapping devices can have.
The incident occurred at 8 am Friday morning. Concerned locals contacted a Queensland Hydro representative who initially stated it was not Queensland Hydro's Environmental Team. Subsequently, the locals reached out to National Parks to report the incident. As well as placing trapping devices into the water, the individuals involved were observed driving a mine-spec vehicle, wearing uniforms, and carrying notebooks. When asked, they confirmed they were from Queensland Hydro's Environmental Team.
Upon confirming that Queensland Hydro was responsible for setting trapping devices in Cattle Creek, locals made additional calls to ensure the safety of the platypus in the area. Queensland Hydro claim the devices used are different to crab pots and yabbie traps. Locals informed the Queensland Hydro Environmental Team about the dangers of using trapping devices in local creeks and rivers, emphasising that such traps should not be used or left unattended. Shortly after, Queensland Hydro removed the traps from Cattle Creek. Thanks to the efforts of the local community, no platypus were trapped or harmed by Queensland Hydro or their Environmental Team.
Queensland Hydro Lacks Local Knowledge, Transparency, and Communication
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges locals face when dealing with Queensland Hydro and the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project. When the project was first announced to the media—before informing locals—Queensland Hydro was completely unaware of the area’s significant platypus population. It was only after persistent requests from Save Eungella and local residents that Queensland Hydro acknowledged the presence of platypus and implemented a Platypus Management Plan. Unfortunately, this plan was released after investigative drilling had already begun.
“They're not from here. They don't know this area. They might have degrees and might be experts in their field, but they have no experience with platypus like we do,” commented a local resident.
One would expect that Queensland Hydro’s Environmental Team, with their qualifications, would be well-versed in handling local wildlife. However, this recent incident illustrates the critical importance of local knowledge—something Queensland Hydro has yet to fully appreciate. If Queensland Hydro had been transparent with the community and communicated their intentions to set trapping devices in Cattle Creek, this entire incident could have been avoided. The locals would have had the opportunity to explain just how reckless such an action would be.
Queensland Hydro SRG and Government Organisations Are at Fault
This is not the first time locals have had to intervene and correct Queensland Hydro's mistakes. Concerned residents—despite having businesses, families, and busy lives—have spent countless hours over the past two years monitoring Queensland Hydro’s activities to prevent them from making further errors. Frustration is growing, as one local remarked, “Where are the SRG representatives? What is Mackay Conservation doing? What are National Parks doing? What are Reef Catchments doing? What is the Mackay Regional Council doing? None of these government-funded organisations have the guts to do anything.”
To date, Queensland Hydro, the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES), Mackay Regional Council (MRC), and the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water (RDMW) have all failed to provide Save Eungella with any official permits or approvals for the questionable actions Queensland Hydro has taken. Official requests have been made to these bodies, and investigations into Queensland Hydro's conduct are ongoing, but requests for permits or approvals have been met with evasion, denial, or outright obstruction.
“There appears to be a complete lack of oversight… they [Queensland Hydro] can do whatever they want, and no one seems to care,” a local resident noted.
For over 12 months, locals have urged DES to step in and ensure the safety of platypus and other wildlife, yet no significant action has been taken. An ongoing investigation by MRC into the permits and approvals required by Queensland Hydro has yielded no results, despite entering a Stage Two Review. RDMW has claimed that Queensland Hydro's activities are lawful, but when asked to provide documentation to substantiate these findings, RDMW has refused.
Queensland Hydro, Be Better
Save Eungella and the local community understand that Queensland Hydro has a job to do, whether we like it or not, but our main concern is the way Queensland Hydro is going about it. The precedent was set two years ago when the community was blindsided by the project's announcement in the media. Despite promises of transparency and community engagement, Queensland Hydro continues to demonstrate that they are not listening to locals or valuing their knowledge and experience. It’s no wonder locals are so opposed to this project and feel that Queensland Hydro doesn’t care about the community, the people, or the environment.
We look forward to hearing Queensland Hydro’s response, where they will undoubtedly reassure everyone that they are following all rules, taking all precautions, and focusing on engaging with the community. More importantly, we would love to see Queensland Hydro take accountability and responsibility for their actions, or at the very least admit that they’ve been negligent in understanding the local environment and their potential impact on our local platypus habitats during this investigative stage of the project.
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