Queensland Hydro's misleading advertisements have caused significant outrage among locals. This week, their deceptive practices reached new heights with a complete flip in their stance on recreational access to the Pioneer-Burdekin reservoirs.
For months, Queensland Hydro has consistently stated in Stakeholder Reference Group meetings that there would be no recreational access to the reservoirs. They have stated again and again that the reservoirs would be fenced off, with water that is unsuitable for recreational use—muddy, smelly, and inaccessible due to the massive changes in water levels. On Wednesday, in an email to a Save Eungella representative, they confirmed that public access to the Pioneer-Burdekin reservoir was out of the question.
However, within just 24 hours, Queensland Hydro released a statement to 7 News Mackay claiming they are assessing how swimming can be made available in the footprint of the bottom reservoir. This sudden reversal raises serious questions about their integrity and commitment to transparency.
It's crucial to note that this does not mean the reservoir will be open to the public with beautiful, clean water for swimming. The reservoir will still be muddy, smelly, and unsightly. Their plan is to create a small waterhole to give the public a place to swim, but this does not change the overall unsuitability of the reservoir for recreational activities.
The advert remains misleading, and Queensland Hydro continues to spread misinformation by showing visuals that are not true and accurate. This deception runs deep. Locals with understandable concerns about the misinformation in Queensland Hydro's adverts have been dismissed by a last-minute deception about fanciful legacy items attached to a project that no one wants.
Queensland Hydro's actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the truth and for the well-being of the communities they impact. It is vital that they be held accountable for their misleading advertisements and that the community continues to demand transparency and honesty from those responsible for this project.
We urge everyone to stay informed and continue to voice their concerns. Queensland Hydro must not be allowed to deceive us any longer.