Audible siren testing at Splityard Creek Dam
On Thursday 29 October 2026 from 12-1pm, CleanCo will conduct an audible test of new emergency warning sirens in the area downstream of Splityard Creek Dam in the Somerset region. This is a test only. There is no emergency. Residents do not need to take any action if they hear the sirens.
Audible siren testing at Splityard Creek Dam
Preparing for major overhaul at Wivenhoe Pumped Hydro Power Station
Planning is well underway for a major project to overhaul Unit 1 at our Wivenhoe Pumped Hydro Power Station, located west of Brisbane.
Queensland’s only pumped hydro power station has been generating lower-emission electricity for more than 40 years, and this major overhaul will ensure the station continues to operate safely and reliably for decades to come.
CleanCo owns and operates the 570MW power station, which can produce electricity for up to 10 hours when required to support the grid.
$48M investment over two years
In September 2024, the Queensland Treasurer, David Janetzki, announced a $48M investment in Wivenhoe Power Station over the next two years as part of the Electricity Maintenance Guarantee, a cornerstone of the Queensland Energy Roadmap. The Guarantee supports the ongoing safe, reliable and efficient operation of state-owned generation assets, helping to secure Queensland’s energy future as the system evolves. The Unit 1 overhaul forms part of that broader investment.
The overhaul is scheduled to begin Tuesday, 5 May 2026, bringing an additional 130 workers on site for 100 days and delivering a boost to the local economy, with an increase in demand of up to $1.3 million for local hospitality and accommodation services expected during the works.
A total of 19 specialist contractors will support the project, including Brisbane-based company Hydraulic Resolutions providing speciality hydraulic services, and Allied Rubber delivering rubber sealing solutions. The main labour component will be delivered by Downer, which was awarded the contract following a competitive tender process late last year.
Technical challenges
One of the most challenging aspects of the overhaul will be the bifurcate penstock recoating, which will involve constructing more than 40 tonnes of scaffolding inside Wivenhoe’s bifurcate — the Y-shaped junction where a single main water pipe from Splityard Creek Dam splits into two separate pipes feeding the station’s two Francis turbines.
The embedded guard gate tracks at Splityard Creek Dam, used by the plant’s high-pressure emergency intake gates, will also be maintained and upgraded.
Comprehensive maintenance of the Generator Circuit Breaker will restore the equipment to its original design specifications, supporting a further 10 to 15 years of reliable operation.
The overhaul will also include replacement of the main transformer bushings, with the high-voltage electrical insulators connecting the generator step-up transformer to the grid being swapped out as part of the works.
Specialised maintenance procedures, including generator inspections, slot wedge testing and life assessment activities, will also be undertaken to support the ongoing reliability and longevity of the station’s generator-motors.
Reduced road speed near power station
To support community safety, reduced speed limits will apply near the power station. Traffic controls will be in place – please follow directions.
CleanCo will share updates about the project as work progresses through our social media channels and website.
Major Wivenhoe bulkhead project on track for December completion
A major $3.7 million project is underway at Wivenhoe to refurbish the Splityard Creek Dam bulkhead system — a crucial asset that ensures the safety and reliability of the Power Station.
The bulkhead features three massive gates, each weighing around 22 tonnes, which allow the safe isolation of turbine pumps and penstocks during maintenance. This refurbishment marks the first major maintenance on the gates in 25 years and is a key preparatory milestone ahead of Wivenhoe’s major outage planned for May 2026.
To remove the gates, an 80-tonne crane was carefully manoeuvred across a narrow concrete bridge at the dam intake. Each gate was then carefully transported along Wivenhoe–Somerset Road to the Nu-Steel facility. Inside Nu-Steel, the gates are undergoing sandblasting, precision welding repairs, and the installation of new seals — critical to ensuring a watertight fit when the gates are in use. A fresh protective coating system will complete the process, with the entire refurbishment expected to take around 16 weeks.
Once the refurbished gates return to service, the team will perform leak-testing to confirm the system’s performance and readiness for future maintenance campaigns. This work helps ensure Wivenhoe continues to provide safe, reliable, flexible energy for Queenslanders.
Kareeya Power Station sets new generation record
Published 9 January 2025
Located in the Tully region in far north Queensland, our Kareeya Hydroelectric Power Station has been taking advantage of the high rainfall this region is famous for, to produce clean energy for more than 60 years….and the last 12 months have proved to be the station’s most productive on record!
For the 12 months to 31 December 2024, Kareeya’s four Pelton turbines generated a whopping 690,979.50MWh, setting a new station record in clean energy generation. The 2024 result surpassed the previous record of 650,540MWh, which was set in 2011.
Electricity generation starts high in the mountains above Kareeya Power Station at Koombooloomba Dam, where water from the Tully River can flow through Koombooloomba Hydro (5MW) down to Kareeya Hydro. Here it passes through four powerful 22MW generators to produce a further 88MW. After the water has been used, it is released back into the Tully River in the same pristine condition as when it entered the power station.
Kareeya Hydro does not emit any greenhouse gases and is an accredited green generator
Koombooloomba Dam started the year almost full, thanks to significant inflows from Cyclone Jasper late in 2023. Kareeya Power Station’s availability remained high throughout the year, enabling the station to generate clean energy for Queensland and achieve its new highest annual output.
Thanks to our Kareeya team, who work so hard to ensure the station is operated safely and reliably!
Learn more about Kareeya Power Station.
Wivenhoe Pumped Hydro Smashes Generation Record
Published: 27 September, 2024
- Wivenhoe Power Station has set a new generation record in Q3 2024, surpassing all previous records since its commissioning in 1984.
- The station’s two pumped hydro units have generated 199GWh since 1 July 2024, which is around 5.2 times the station’s historical quarterly average.
- Wivenhoe’s ability to store excess solar energy during the day and discharge it during peak demand in the evening and overnight demonstrates the importance of pumped hydro in Queensland’s clean energy future
CleanCo’s Wivenhoe Power Station has set a new quarterly generation record, surpassing all previous production milestones since the station began operating in 1984—and all before the third quarter of 2024 even ended.
The two pumped hydro units at Wivenhoe have generated an impressive 199GWh since 1 July 2024, exceeding the station’s historical quarterly average by more than 5.2 times. This performance highlights the increasing value of pumped hydro in Queensland’s evolving energy landscape, where renewable generation is increasing rapidly.
Wivenhoe’s capability to store excess solar energy during the day and discharge it during the evening peak and overnight has proven to be a crucial tool for balancing supply and demand. By capturing surplus solar generation and delivering it when demand is highest, Wivenhoe is putting downward pressure on electricity prices and ensuring Queensland’s electricity supply remains reliable as the state transitions to a clean energy future.
Quotes attributable to CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe:
“Wivenhoe is showing exactly why pumped hydro is such a powerful asset in today’s energy market. This station is playing a vital role in supporting more renewable energy in Queensland, and this new generation record underscores the importance of continued investment in clean energy solutions.
“As Queensland looks to a net zero future, CleanCo continues to deliver energy solutions that support the growth of renewable generation and ensure our customers have access to reliable, low-emission energy to support their decarbonisation journey.”
FAST FACTS
- Wivenhoe Pumped Hydro was commissioned in 1984
- Wivenhoe Power Station holds two Francis type turbines and at 285MW each, they are Australia’s largest, weighing an incredible 1,500 tonnes each.
- Wivenhoe Hydro acts like one giant rechargeable battery, with the ability to quickly generate electricity with the capacity to support up to 10 hours of continuous power generation.
CleanCo media contact – Lincoln Howe 0422 678 188 / Erin Oram 0431 089 686
Queensland’s original big battery turns 40!
Published: June 25, 2024
Wivenhoe Power Station has the capacity to power the equivalent of 125,000 Queensland homes every year.
As the station brings in its fourth decade, it remains a key player in the Queensland renewable energy landscape, with the capacity to produce a whopping 570MW.
Owned and operated by publicly owned CleanCo, the Wivenhoe Power Station plays a critical role in supporting the renewable energy transformation, using excess solar and renewable energy produced during the day to pump water up to Splityard Creek, ready for generation in the evening peak when the sun isn’t shining or when the wind isn’t blowing.
At the time of commissioning the power station, Queensland was positioned as a world leader in the use of technology to remotely control a pumped hydro station, with a start-up time of just 20 seconds.
Forty years later, its legacy and reliability remain unchanged thanks to the skilled energy workers who have safely maintained and operated the asset, so generations of Queenslanders can continue to reap the clean energy benefits.
Located in the Somerset region of south-east Queensland, the power station has played an important role in the community, providing local jobs and supporting a range of community groups and initiatives.
CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe said CleanCo is honoured to be the custodian of Wivenhoe Power Station.
“We are proud of the role Wivenhoe Power Station plays in Queensland’s energy transformation.
“With Queensland’s largest rechargeable battery in our portfolio, CleanCo is uniquely positioned to provide clean, reliable energy 24/7 – this is good for our customers, and for Queensland’s energy network.
“Our team at Wivenhoe works incredibly hard to keep the power station operating safely and efficiently – I’d like to thank each and every team member, past and present, for their valuable contributions.”
Wivenhoe Power Station Site Manager Herman Porter said the Wivenhoe team is proud to operate this unique asset in support of Queensland.
“Over 40 years, the power station has become part of the fabric of the Somerset region. It’s not only a place of employment – it’s also a place where technical capability is developed, and lifelong friendships are forged.
“Our employees are dedicated to ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the power station. Their incredible depth of knowledge and technical skill keeps Wivenhoe running smoothly.”
Former Wivenhoe Power Station Technical Officer Trevor Lush spoke of the early days at Wivenhoe.
“As Wivenhoe was the first pumped storage hydro power station in Queensland and one of only a few in Australia, we were all learning as we went – there were not too many people we could turn to for technical support, especially during the midnight hours.
“Wivenhoe was originally staffed by 5 people during daylight hours. The team gradually increased over the years to reach a level where staffing was more realistic and our capabilities increased.
“I absolutely loved working at Wivenhoe Power Station. There was a real sense of camaraderie where everyone was always willing to assist each other.”
Kuranda Weir Recovery Project
Published: 07 February 2024
Updated: 14 April 2026
Project earns recognition from engineering peers
The Kuranda Weir Recovery Project has been named an Outstanding Nomination in the Engineers Australia QLD’s Project of the Year Award for 2025. CleanCo submitted a joint entry with GHD for the award – a category that was highly competitive, with 10 other nominations.
Thank you to Engineers Australia for this recognition, and to our broader CleanCo team, project partners, Traditional Owners and the Kuranda community for your ongoing collaboration and support.
Background
When ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper crossed the Queensland coast in December 2023, the weather system impacted many North Queensland communities and essential service infrastructure, including CleanCo’s Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station.
Extremely high water levels in the Barron River caused significant damage to critical infrastructure at the Kuranda Weir which stores water required for power generation. As a result, the Barron Gorge Power Station was rendered inoperable.
Throughout 2024, CleanCo worked to successfully complete the following critical infrastructure repairs:
- Make the site safe
- Construct a temporary rock wall (coffer dam) to allow safe access to rebuild the weir embankment and enable operations to resume at the power station (Phase A)
- Resume operations at the power station
- Construct a weather resilient, permanent concrete wall to replace the earthen embankment (Phase B).
Phase A and B of the permanent rebuild at Kuranda Weir are now complete. The new concrete wall marks a significant step in strengthening the weir’s resilience and ensuring the reliability of the Barron Gorge Hydro Power Station.
With this phase of construction of the wall now complete, any safety risks associated with activities in the bed and banks of the Barron River have been resolved.
Phase C
Key milestones of Phase C including raising the permanent dam wall to its final height were completed in late 2025.
Works are now focussed on installing a retaining wall to further strengthen the embankment and protect against dam seepage. This involves drilling and installing reinforced columns deep into the ground, a process known as river piling.
Works have begun as of 14 April, 2026 and will be carried out over a six-week period between 7:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
During this period, nearby residents may notice construction related noise and localised vibration near the Kuranda Weir site.
Major concrete works are scheduled for completion by February, followed by river piling works, with final infrastructure repairs and revegetation of cleared areas to be completed by September 2026.
Recovery
The project has involved working closely with authorities including the Wet Tropics Management Authority, Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Mareeba Shire Council and Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers. We also worked alongside Traditional Owners, the Djabugay People, who provided cultural heritage monitoring and advice.
Contact
If you have any concerns or would like more information, please contact CleanCo directly at info@cleancoqld.com.au or community@cleancoqld.com.au
Celebrating 60 years of clean energy generation for one of Queensland’s oldest hydro stations
Published: 5 December, 2023
Nestled within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area 20 km north-west of Cairns, the Barron Gorge Hydro has been a hidden yet important staple in the Cairns community for the past 60 years, giving locals a place to work close to home and thrill seekers the chance to paddle the Barron River rapids.
To commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the power station, CleanCo hosted a celebration on site bringing together past and present team members to share stories of working at one of Queensland’s oldest power stations.
A publicly owned energy asset, the Barron Gorge hydro has proudly served Queenslanders, providing a reliable and sustainable energy supply for the last six decades.
As part of CleanCo’s fleet of publicly owned clean energy generators, the Barron Gorge hydro will continue to play a critical role in shoring up a reliable, affordable clean energy future for Queensland’s industries and communities for decades to come.
Quotes attributable to Member for Barron River, Craig Crawford MP:
“Hydroelectricity is one of the oldest forms of renewable energy.
“Barron Gorge Hydro plays a very important part in the Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
“It also supports a really great local attraction for adventure-seekers with the water discharged from the power station creating the world-famous Barron River rapids.
“Whether it’s renewable energy generation or white-water rapids, Barron Gorge hydro has a special place here in far north Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to CleanCo CEO, Tom Metcalfe:
“Far from slowing down, operations at Barron Gorge are increasingly critical to the energy transformation. This last financial year saw Barron Gorge power station generate 334,416 MWh– that’s 47.59 per cent more than the previous year and the highest generation since FY2019.
“Even more critical is that Barron’s generation can be delivered when the market needs it the most. The water resource is controllable, allowing Barron to play a vital role in backing up CleanCo’s solar and wind resources when the sun isn’t shining or the when the wind isn’t blowing.
“Barron Gorge Hydro has been operating for the last 60 years, and thanks to the hard work and dedication of the team here at Barron Gorge, we are actively planning for the next 60 years.
“That’s good news for Queensland’s energy transformation, it’s good news for the local community and it’s good news for the workers now, and into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Barron Gorge Hydro Station Electrical Apprentice, Aelira Catalina:
“There isn’t a single day where I don’t learn something new, whether it be practical knowledge or electrical theory related specifically to power generation. It feels very special to be a part of something that has such a significant history.
“The last major overhaul was done the year I was born – the modern station is as old as I am! Not only do I get to immerse myself in the electrical trade, but I am also surrounded by masses of experience in mechanical and electrical engineering, fitting and turning, control systems, and so much more.
“I have learned so much already and look forward to the next 3 years of my apprenticeship here at CleanCo.”
Long before Queensland began its renewable energy transformation, the Barron Gorge hydro station in Far North Queensland had already cemented its place supplying clean energy to generations of Queenslanders.
Overhaul works for Queensland’s largest pumped hydro
Published: 1 June, 2023
The Queensland Government has invested $17 million into major maintenance works on Wivenhoe’s 285MW Unit 2 turbine, creating 100 jobs under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
Planned maintenance is carried out every five years to ensure the long-term reliability of Queensland’s only existing pumped hydro facility.
CleanCo is being supported by a specialised workforce to undertake these works, and where possible is engaging local businesses to support the delivery of this important work.