The Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project, proposed by Queensland Hydro, is poised to wreak havoc on some of the most pristine rainforest areas in Australia. Despite assurances that the reservoirs will avoid national parks, the truth is far more troubling. The associated infrastructure, including access roads and transmission lines, threatens to cut through and devastate these invaluable natural habitats.
A Grim Declaration
At a recent community event, Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack made a statement that sent shockwaves through the community: "Our plan is to largely remove most of the vegetation." This declaration underscores the project's disregard for the ecological value of these rainforests. The wholesale removal of vegetation will lead to irreversible damage to these delicate ecosystems, which have taken centuries to develop.
Bordering on Destruction
While the proposed reservoirs themselves might avoid directly encroaching on national parks, they border national park boundaries. This proximity is a significant concern, as the activities involved in constructing and maintaining the reservoirs will inevitably spill over into protected areas. The impact on the rainforest will be severe, with the loss of vegetation leading to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and a decline in biodiversity.
Access Roads and Transmission Lines: Cutting Through Rainforest
The construction of access roads and transmission lines associated with the hydro project poses a direct threat to rainforest areas. Powerlink, responsible for the transmission lines, has stated that they will go through national parks if necessary. This stance highlights the potential for extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation. The intrusion into national parks and rainforests will disrupt wildlife corridors, alter water flows, and increase the risk of invasive species entering these pristine environments.
The Broader Ecological Impact
The destruction of rainforests for hydro development will have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem. Rainforests are home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are not found anywhere else. The loss of these habitats will lead to a decline in species populations and could drive some to extinction. Additionally, rainforests play a crucial role in regulating the climate, storing carbon, and maintaining water cycles. Their destruction will contribute to climate change and exacerbate environmental degradation.
A Call to Protect Our Rainforests
The urgency to protect these rainforests cannot be overstated. The planned destruction for the sake of hydro development is not just an environmental issue; it is a matter of global significance. The unique biodiversity and ecological functions provided by these rainforests are irreplaceable. It is imperative that we take a stand against such destructive projects and advocate for the preservation of these vital ecosystems.
For more detailed information on the environmental impact and the broader implications of the hydro project, please refer to the following blogs:
Queensland Hydro's Reckless Renewables Training and Skills Program
The Battle for Europe's Pristine Rivers: A Lesson for Eungella?
URL: https://www.saveeungella.com.au/post/the-battle-for-europe-s-pristine-rivers-a-lesson-for-eungella
Urgent Call to Action: Protecting Eungella's Pristine Environment
The Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project, if allowed to proceed, will destroy irreplaceable rainforest habitats. It is not just about a single project; it is about the future of our natural heritage. Hydro, in this context, is how we destroy pristine rainforests, and it must be stopped.