Nats to block CQ pumped hydro

Clear battlelines have been marked out on Queensland’s largest renewable energy project with the Nationals confirming they will block off any funding for the proposed $12bn Pioneer-burdekin pumped hydro scheme west of Mackay if they win government at the next election.

Nationals leader David Littleproud toured the Pioneer Valley – the location of the proposed scheme – and said that there was a place for renewable energy in Queensland, but “not here”.

“A future National Party government, part of the Coalition, will not cut that cheque for Annastacia Palaszczuk,” he said. “We won’t be a part of this in any way shape or form.”

The massive cost of the 5GW scheme, which would store and dispatch half of the state’s energy needs with renewable energy if constructed, means that it will likely require federal government money to come through.

Mr Littleproud’s blunt opposition matches Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who trashed the project as a “pipedream” during a visit to the Sugarcity in October.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he supported the “visionary” project on a whirlwind tour to Mackay in January and said he “looked forward” to discussions with the state government about how he could help them deliver the scheme.

Some Pioneer Valley residents have reacted with fury by expected property resumptions and potential destruction of the natural world.

In a tussle at the state level between Mirani MP Stephen Andrew and Energy Minister Mick de Brenni, Mr Andrew tabled a petition opposing the scheme with 6200 signatures.

Mr de Brenni said on Friday Mr Andrew had misled Queenslanders on a range of issues, including potential noise hazards and the possibility of removing the top of Mt Dalrymple to build the upper reservoirs of the project.

“Furthermore, the project does not propose infrastructure at Eungella, or in close proximity to the platypus habitat of Broken River,” he said.