The potential negative impact of the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro project on the Eungella region is a cause for concern. The project could lead to the closure of Eungella State School, a critical education institution for the local community.
The Eungella region is a stunning natural area, and the proposed hydro project is likely to result in the forced removal of landowners from their properties, leading to a decline in the local population. On top of this, reduced tourism in the area due to the loss of natural habitat will also have severe consequences for the local economy. Moreover, it is expected that the declining population would lead to lower student numbers, which would directly impact the viability of Eungella State School.
This is not the first time that regional town numbers have been reduced by government projects, leading to the closure of local schools. The history of regional schools in Australia is fraught with examples of schools being closed down or consolidated due to the decline in student numbers, which is often a direct consequence of regional economic changes.
In many cases, these closures have had significant impacts on the local communities, especially when they are the only education institution in the area.
The situation faced by Eungella State School is not unique, and the potential closure of the school should be a matter of concern for the government. As a responsible government, it is important to consider the long-term social and economic impacts of the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro project on the local community.
The government must ensure that the interests of the local communities are adequately represented in the decision-making process to avoid the loss of critical community institutions. The closure of schools, which serve as the heart of rural communities, should not be taken lightly.