In June, Queensland's Energy Minister, Mick de Brenni, fed the public a blatant lie. He boldly declared that the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project would not impact the platypus population in the Eungella region. Recent revelations by Save Eungella, however, paint a far darker picture, one of environmental catastrophe and ministerial deceit.
An article in the Courier Mail quoted de Brenni assuring Queenslanders that the platypus population in the Eungella region wouldn’t be impacted. Yet, reality has cast a long shadow over these empty words. Save Eungella's diligent efforts have uncovered a flourishing platypus population within the very area marked for inundation. Reservoir A, nestled in Dalrymple Heights, is undoubtedly part of the Eungella region, where an estimated 200 platypuses now reside. Locals have called it a ‘Platypus Sanctuary’.
What's even more concerning is the response from Queensland Hydro, which paints a picture of impending doom for Eungella's platypus population. They admitted that there would be impacts to platypus within the proposed inundation areas and even stated direct mortality to platypus within their Platypus Management Plan. This startling contradiction further underscores de Brenni's reckless disregard for the truth.
While the push for renewable energy is commendable, it becomes hypocritical when such projects threaten our iconic wildlife and pristine environments. The Energy Minister's brazen lies have left us questioning the Queensland Government's commitment to preserving our natural heritage in the face of renewable energy development.
Save Eungella demands an immediate halt to the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project. We are not against hydro or renewables, but we believe Eungella is an ecologically sensitive area where the impact on our platypus population and environment will be catastrophic. It's time to expose the truth and prioritise responsible, sustainable energy solutions that do not come at the cost of our national natural treasures and the well-being of our communities. Mick de Brenni's lies won't go unnoticed, and we won't stand idly by as Eungella faces irreversible devastation.