An assessment report has been released for public comment as part of progressing approvals for Powerlink’s Genex Kidston Connection Project.
The project’s Ministerial Infrastructure Designation Assessment Report identifies the social, environmental and economic factors associated with the electricity infrastructure required to connect Genex’s Kidston Clean Energy Hub to Powerlink’s transmission network.
Powerlink Chief Executive Paul Simshauser said the assessment report’s release was an important milestone in seeking state government planning approval for the project.
"Powerlink has been working alongside Genex since 2016 to progress planning for the transmission infrastructure required to connect this landmark renewable energy facility to the National Electricity Market," Mr Simshauser said.
"We have been comprehensively engaging with landholders and other stakeholders, as well as completing detailed technical research and field surveys, to inform development of the assessment report.
"The report identifies the preferred alignment for a 186-kilometre, 275kV transmission line and associated switching station at Mount Fox to safely, reliably and efficiently transport the energy generated at the Kidston Clean Energy Hub to homes and businesses.
"It also assesses potential environmental, social and economic impacts of the proposed electricity infrastructure, and includes actions to manage or mitigate potential impacts.
"We have greatly appreciated the cooperation and input from landholders and other stakeholders throughout this project and remain committed to continuing our engagement with them throughout the project’s next steps."
In line with the Planning Act 2016, landholders and other interested parties are encouraged to make submissions on the assessment report to the Planning Minister by close of business Wednesday 22 December 2021.
Community information drop-in sessions will also be held with representatives from Powerlink and environmental specialist AECOM who prepared the assessment report. The drop-in sessions will be held from 9am to 12pm on:
- Tuesday 7 December 2021, at the Mount Fox Lions Club camping area opposite Mount Fox State School, Mount Fox
- Wednesday 8 December 2021, at the Powerlink Project Office, Greenvale Progress Association Building, Greenvale
- Thursday 9 December 2021, at the Oasis Roadhouse, The Lynd, Conjuboy.
The Ministerial Infrastructure Designation Assessment Report is available on the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning website at planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/planning-framework/infrastructure-planning/infrastructure-designations or Powerlink’s website at www.powerlink.com.au/genex-kidston. It can also be viewed at the Greenvale Post Office, Hinchinbrook Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre at Ingham, Charters Towers Regional Council’s Administration Centre at Charters Towers, and Etheridge Shire Council’s Georgetown Shire Office.
More information on the Genex Kidston Connection Project is available at:
