More than 5km of core samples have been collected as part of the Queensland Government’s Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project.

Once complete, the Pioneer-Burdekin project will store the excess energy collected from Australia’s household solar, for use at night when the sun isn’t shining, the wind isn’t blowing and when energy usage is at its peak.

The Queensland Government said that it is expected to support thousands of jobs and boost the local Mackay economy by billions of dollars.

More than 50 boreholes have been drilled as the project enters its next phase, with Queensland Hydro confirming structurally solid granite throughout the project site.

Local company Twin Hills Engineering and Drilling – which is undertaking the works – estimates it is injecting more than $20,000 a week into the Mackay region through purchases relating to the project.

Additionally, independent modelling estimates Queensland’s north and outback regions will be boosted $240 billion, and 84,000 additional jobs if Queensland reaches net zero by 2050.

The pumped-hydro project will also play a critical role in enabling Queensland to meet its legislated renewable energy and emissions reductions targets, with analysis by Queensland Hydro demonstrating it will directly avoid up to seven million tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

The Queensland Government said that as a large-scale civil construction project, the majority of expenditure on Pioneer-Burdekin will go to Australian sourced labour and materials, directly benefiting the regional, Queensland and Australian economies.

Nearly 600 Australian businesses, including more than 60 from the local region, have registered their interest in the project.

Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said, “My government is dedicated to delivering cheaper, cleaner energy, and our commitment to the Pioneer-Burdekin project is rock solid.

“With every drill and borehole, Pioneer-Burdekin powers up more regional jobs for small businesses like Twin Hills Engineering and Drilling, with benefits to the community to continue for decades to come.

“This nation-leading project will ensure we lock in a clean economy future for Queensland’s industrial heartland,” Mr Miles said.

“Reaching this 5km geotechnical milestone is proof that we’re not just planning for the future – we’re delivering it.”

Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni, “Pumped hydro is the powerhouse solution for energy storage, promising lower bills and cheaper electricity when and where it’s needed most.

“Mackay locals are already reaping the benefits of the clean energy boom Pioneer-Burdekin will deliver, with thousands of dollars of investment supercharging the local economy each week.”

Queensland Hydro Chief Executive Officer, Kieran Cusack, said, “This milestone represents critical progress in our understanding of the Pioneer-Burdekin Project site and will support a robust assessment of the project through the Detailed Analytical Report (DAR) which is due to the Queensland Government by the end of 2024.

“I’d also like to thank and recognise the landowners in the project footprint who have granted access to their properties for this drilling to be undertaken, and to the surrounding communities who have supported our project team and contractor partners.

“It is vital for important projects like the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project to invest time and effort in the initial investigative studies to obtain the most detailed information possible, and to then use that information to prepare the best possible business case for decision-makers.”

Twin Hills Engineering and Drilling Owner and Managing Director, Stephen Burt, said, “We’re going gang busters. This project has put us in a whole new space, and has allowed us the opportunity to start working in the renewable energy industry and diversify our business.

“We’ve been able to employ 12 new people directly, and a further ten indirectly. We pour more than $20,000 a week into the local Mackay economy.

“That includes at least $7,500 in accommodation and meals alone, about another $2,500 in fuel, and another $13,000 a week in the day-to-day running of things on site.”

Mr Burt said that the company has crewed up new rigs with locals straight from Mackay and has brought around five or six people out of coal and into renewables.

“What we’re doing will mean more jobs kept in Queensland, and the feeling in the business community is that this is great for Mackay.”