Responding to odour issues at Swanbank
Published 5 June 2025
CleanCo has been working closely with our neighbours, the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and independent technical experts to better understand and address increased odour in the Swanbank area.
Weather conditions in April and May resulted in increased inflow to our ash dam, raising water levels and potentially contributing to the odour that some residents have noticed in the area. As an immediate step, CleanCo has been removing water from the ash dam to help reduce water levels and mitigate potential impacts.
We’ve also increased air and water quality testing to support investigations and here’s what we can share so far:
- Water quality in the ash dam has shown some signs of improvement, and odour levels have reduced. The installation of an additional aerator has been implemented to support these changes. Laboratory tests are ongoing to monitor nutrient levels and microbial balance.
- Expert advice is on hand. We’ve engaged environmental consultants to help identify and implement further treatment options, including long-term solutions to mitigate similar issues in the future.
CleanCo is committed to evidenced-based environmental management and will continue to undertake daily air and water quality monitoring to make sure we stay on top of the issue.
To talk to us about this matter please email community@cleancoqld.com.au
Thank you for your patience as we work through this.
Published 13 May 2025
CleanCo is aware of recent community concerns about increased odours in the Swanbank area.
Recent weather conditions have resulted in increased water inflow to our ash dam, leading to elevated water levels. While investigations are ongoing, this may be contributing to the odour being experienced.
We are working closely with our neighbours, the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) and independent technical experts to better understand and address the situation. In the meantime, CleanCo is actively removing water from the ash dam to help reduce water levels and mitigate potential impacts.
We remain committed to monitoring water and air quality closely and will continue to take responsive actions to minimise any disruption to the local community.
To talk to us about this matter please email community@cleancoqld.com.au
Thank you for your patience while we undertake this work.
Bringing people together in Gailes – one BBQ at a time
In the heart of Gailes in Ipswich, a small neighbourhood centre is delivering vital community support – and CleanCo is proud to be part of it.
For more than 20 years, Gailes Community House has run social and practical programs to build friendships and connect individuals and families with local support services.
Through our Community Futures Fund, CleanCo proudly funded a new BBQ and rice cooker for the centre. This means Gailes Community House can continue to host its free monthly BBQ lunch – a much-loved event that brings 30–40 locals together for a meal and a chat.
The House also offers computer access and free Wi-Fi, a street library, budget-friendly food, fitness classes and individual supports.
The CleanCo Community Futures Fund provides grants of up to $5000 for organisations supporting community-building initiatives near our assets.
Want to learn more about the fund?
Mt Rawdon’s Golden Future as Clean Energy Generator
8 April 2025
- CleanCo is working with Evolution Mining and ICA Partners to assess Australia’s most advanced pumped hydro project located here in Queensland
- Located at a former gold mine owned and operated by Evolution Mining, the project will have the capacity to power up to two million homes
- The project will support a more reliable, sustainable and affordable energy supply for Queensland
CleanCo Queensland has welcomed the Queensland Government’s investment in the proposed Mount Rawdon Pumped Hydro project.
Located west of Bundaberg, the former working gold mine is being considered for conversion into a large-scale, long-duration energy storage facility—capable of storing up to 20,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy using pumped hydro technology.
CleanCo has committed to working with project proponents, Evolution Mining and ICA Partners, to progress feasibility works, including geotechnical studies, environmental assessments and detailed design.
CleanCo CEO, Tom Metcalfe said the project will support Queensland industries, businesses and communities to decarbonise and thrive.
“We welcome the Queensland Government’s support and vision in backing practical, deliverable clean energy projects like this one,” Mr Metcalfe said.
“CleanCo is a passionate advocate for long-duration storage. As Wivenhoe Pumped Hydro demonstrates on a daily basis, long duration energy storage is essential in soaking up excess renewable energy when it’s plentiful and delivering it back into the grid when demand is high. This sustainable resource safeguards reliability of supply in a net zero future.
“Mt Rawdon presents a unique opportunity to repurpose existing mining infrastructure to become part of the long-term solution to securing a renewable energy future for Queensland.
Evolution Mining Executive Chair, Jake Klein said the Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro project is one of the most advanced, lowest capital intensive pumped hydro projects in Australia.
“Evolution Mining has operated Mt Rawdon for over a decade and throughout this time has enjoyed outstanding community and indigenous partner support that has contributed significantly to the operation’s success,” Mr Klein said.
“We welcome the Crisafulli Government’s interest and involvement in this landmark project, which is set to facilitate low-cost green power and provide jobs to the community and Queensland for decades to come.”
ICA Partners, Executive Director Michael Siede said Mt Rawdon is an ideal site for pumped hydro with its steep topography, proximity to the grid and well-known environmental and geological footprint.
“We are delighted to work with CleanCo and the Queensland Government to deliver the Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro project,” Mr Siede said.
“This project will be instrumental in the transition of the Queensland energy sector to renewable energy by providing low-cost, long-term energy storage for Queensland’s abundant solar resource.”
More information is available at www.mtrawdonhydro.com.au
ENDS
CleanCo backs community safety at Glamorgan Vale Hall
Published 4 April 2025
Glamorgan Vale Community Hall – the heart of a small rural town near CleanCo’s Wivenhoe Power Station – has received a life-saving upgrade thanks to a new defibrillator, donated by CleanCo through our Community Futures Fund.
The much-loved venue plays host to family gatherings, yoga classes and community meetings. With the local primary school using the hall’s kitchen during renovations, it’s a central part of daily life in the area.
CleanCo’s Wivenhoe Site Manager, Herman Porter, said the company was proud to support Glamorgan Vale with this practical gift.
“We know how important the hall is to this community,” Herman said. “Having a defibrillator on site provides peace of mind. We hope it’s never needed – but we’re glad to know it’s there if it is.”
This initiative is part of CleanCo’s broader commitment to having a positive impact on the communities that host our assets.
Applications are now open for CleanCo’s Community Futures Fund, offering up to $5,000 in grants for local initiatives. To learn more or apply, visit Community Futures Fund | CleanCo Queensland
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.
Cod release a boost for river health
Published 13 December 2024
Eight-hundred Mary Cod fingerlings are now calling Bundamba Creek home and they have a big role to play as they grow into adulthood. These fish might be small now but when fully grown, they will be apex predators and will play a vital role in improving the overall health of the Brisbane River catchment.
Brisbane River Cod Recovery Strategy
CleanCo is proud to support the Brisbane River Cod Recovery Strategy led by Somerset Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Association, which aims to encourage biodiversity in the Brisbane River Catchment.
The project involves releasing 14,400 Mary River Cod fingerlings at sites across southeast Queensland to establish self-sustaining populations, replacing the now extinct Brisbane River Cod.
This week we teamed up with John Scott, whose property adjoins our Swanbank Power Station site, to release 200 Mary River Cod fingerlings into Bundamba Creek, with a further 600 fingerlings released at other sites where CleanCo property borders our natural waterways.
Mary River Cod are slow-growing and long-lived, with some individuals reaching 50 years of age.
Swanbank CRG celebrates first year
Published 22 November 2024
Created to provide a two-way communication channel between CleanCo and the Ipswich community, CleanCo’s Swanbank Clean Energy Hub Community Reference Group (CRG) has wrapped up for 2024, holding its final meeting for the year at Ripley on 20 November.
This was the third time our CRG has met after being formed in May 2024.
Diverse mix
CleanCo has been fortunate to assemble a CRG that is truly representative of the local community – with people as young as 15 right through to their 80s; members of First Nations communities; residents with connections to Ipswich’s European settlers as well as more recent arrivals representing the city’s rapidly growing population; people with technical knowledge of renewable energy and others who are deeply involved in their community through work and volunteering.
Sounding board
The local knowledge and insights of the CRG members are an invaluable sounding board for CleanCo as we progress a range of projects associated with the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub. The CRG also provides for advice about the best channels/mechanisms for engaging with the Ipswich community.
Positive feedback
At the end of the November meeting, CRG members were surveyed for their feedback about how effective the forum is as a two-way communication channel. The responses were overwhelmingly positive. Some comments included: “Everyone is included and able to contribute ideas”, “It gives an opportunity to have a bigger part in the community and talk with people I wouldn’t usually” and “I feel my input is valued and respected by the CleanCo team”.
A sincere thanks to our CRG members for helping us build a Clean Energy Hub the community can be proud of for many years to come!
Five Years of CleanCo: A Milestone in Queensland’s Clean Energy Journey
Published: 31 October 2024
Today we celebrated five years of CleanCo’s commitment to delivering clean energy solutions for Queensland. Since our establishment, we’ve been dedicated to helping customers thrive in a net-zero future, and we’re proud to reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us here. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead to the exciting developments on the horizon.
A Strong Foundation: Our Early Days
CleanCo was created with a clear mission—to support Queensland’s transition to a renewable energy future. In 2019, we began trading in the National Electricity Market, acquiring our foundational assets: Wivenhoe, Barron Gorge, Kareeya, Koombooloomba, and Swanbank. These assets laid the groundwork for what has become an impressive clean energy portfolio.
The following year, we celebrated a major achievement with the signing of our first customer and the generation of over 1,200 GWh between 2019 and 2020.
Accelerating Our Impact
In just five years, CleanCo’s impact has grown exponentially. Since signing our first power purchase agreement (PPA) with the MacIntyre Wind Farm for 400 MW, we’ve made incredible strides. Today, CleanCo has generated more than 10,000 GWh of clean energy, signed five PPAs, and secured nearly 2.3 GW of projects in Central Queensland. We’ve also created the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub and begun construction on our first big battery, further solidifying our role as a key player in the state’s clean energy transformation.
Beyond energy, CleanCo is committed to the communities we serve. We’ve directed over $150,000 to support community initiatives, welcomed 24 new customers, and grown our team to over 300 passionate employees.
Strategy and Growth Pipeline
CleanCo’s new enterprise strategy sets bold goals to lead Queensland’s renewable energy transition. We aim to service 20% of the state’s energy market with a diverse 5 GW fleet of wind and solar, supported by gas, hydro, and energy storage.
Sustainability and net-zero targets remain central to everything we do. We are committed to delivering positive social and environmental outcomes for our people, customers, and communities. Driving this transformation will be our diverse and connected team, operational excellence, and a focus on digital transformation.
Celebrating Our People
None of our success would be possible without the incredible people who make up CleanCo. Our team’s dedication and passion for renewable energy is the driving force behind our achievements. Together, we are shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for Queensland.
Happy five years to us!
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
Powering up: Barron Gorge Hydro back online after Cyclone Jasper
Published: July 8, 2024
Six months after Tropical Cyclone Jasper wreaked havoc on Far North Queensland, publicly owned CleanCo has today announced that Barron Gorge Hydro Power Station is back online, producing clean energy for Queensland.
In December, just weeks after celebrating its 60th birthday, the hydro power station was swiftly taken offline due to the inundation of water in the Barron River following Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
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.
Over the past six months, which were some of the wettest in recent memory, CleanCo has carried out critical infrastructure works at the Kuranda Weir. The completion of a temporary rock wall, or coffer dam, has now reinstated the function of the weir and enabled the power station to come back online.
It also provides safe access for the next phase in the recovery which includes the construction of a weather resilient, permanent concrete wall at the weir.
While the power station has been offline, CleanCo has put maintenance and safety at the top of the list, conducting inspections and cleaning key power station infrastructure, as well as undertaking significant testing of generation units ahead of the station’s return to service.
Over the course of the recovery, CleanCo has worked closely with a range of local stakeholders including tourism operators impacted by the cyclone and damage to infrastructure, the local councils and disaster management groups, and the local community. The Traditional Owners, the Djabugay People, have provided Cultural Heritage advice and monitoring at key stages throughout the works, and will continue to be involved in the ongoing recovery efforts.
Barron Gorge Hydro Power Station is back online, bolstering Queensland’s renewable energy supply following devastating destruction caused by severe weather in Far North Queensland.
CleanCo has focussed on safety and severe weather resilience as it has worked to bring the 60-year-old generator back into service.
CleanCo is working closely with locals, traditional owners and impacted stakeholders to ensure the safety and protection of people and the environment.
As weather events in the Far North become more frequent and more severe, a major focus on the recovery has been around improving resilience at the power station to support the station’s generation for another 60 years.
Quotes attributable to CleanCo Customer and Energy Markets General Manager Rimu Nelson:
“We are incredibly proud of the work that has gone into getting this critical infrastructure back online.
“While the weather in the Far North has proved challenging at times, the team has remained steadfast in getting the job done.
“We understand how important it is to bring the community along on a journey such as this and we are deeply thankful to the local community for their ongoing patience with the increased heavy traffic and works at the weir.
“We are also very pleased that local tourism operators, like Kuranda Riverboat and Cairns Adventure Group, who rely on the Barron River for their livelihoods can now resume operations.
“Safety is at the forefront of everything we do here at CleanCo, and we will continue to ensure the safety of our project team, contractors and locals as we build back better during the next phase of construction.”
Quotes attributable to Roderic Rees, Cairns Adventure Group:
“We have been operating water-based adventure tours in the Cairns region since 1986. We are invested in the future of our people, our place, and the World Heritage Areas within which we are privileged to operate.
“We’re very pleased that CleanCo has been able to complete the enormity of work, on schedule, providing our business certainty around when water will be flowing down the Barron River again, we are immensely proud of the combined efforts that have enabled us to open the Barron River for commercial rafting activities once again.
“The resilience, dedication and passion for community shown by the team at CleanCo has been extraordinary, testament to a great working relationship developed over many years.
“The collective support from Cairns Regional Council, CleanCo, Member for Cairns Michael Healy and Tropical Tourism North Queensland (TTNQ), has been instrumental in reaching this point. Their unwavering commitment to restoring access, infrastructure repair and ensuring water releases has given us the ability to operate safe and fun tours and retain a large portion of our workforce.”
Fast facts
- Barron Gorge Hydro is a 66 MW run-of-river hydro power station that supplies clean energy to Queensland.
- CleanCo has so far engaged with over 30 local stakeholder groups throughout the project.
- CleanCo is engaging with over 60 local households directly impacted by increased traffic or water level risk.