Christmas comes early for SALBAGOSS
Christmas has come early for an Ipswich after-school homework club, with CleanCo employees donating an array of books and stationery to support local students.
SALBAGOSS (Sudanese Australian Lost Boys and Girls of South Sudan), based at the Redbank Plains Community Centre, provides after-school tutoring, encouragement and healthy snacks to help primary and high school students stay engaged in learning.
CleanCo supported the club earlier in 2025 through a donation from our Community Futures Fund. When Swanbank Site Manager, Trevor Turner visited SALBAGOSS to present the donation, he identified further opportunities for CleanCo to support the group’s work.
One ongoing challenge for SALBAGOSS is providing enough learning resources for students. In response, teams from CleanCo’s Swanbank, Wivenhoe and Brisbane sites came together to collect books and unused stationery, resulting in a substantial donation. SALBAGOSS members visited our Swanbank site in December to collect the donation – and it was certainly much more than they were expecting!
This week, members of SALBAGOSS visited Swanbank to collect the materials, which will help local students start Term 1, 2026 well-equipped for the year ahead.
Endangered Mary River cod found thriving at CleanCo fishway in Ipswich
Fish sampling has identified the endangered Mary River cod using a fishway at the CleanCo-owned Berries Lagoon weir on the Bremer River in Ipswich, six years after the fishway was built.
Spanning 90 metres in length, this rock-ramp fishway was designed to restore fish passage past the weir, re-establishing connectivity between upstream and downstream reaches of the Bremer River.
This connection is important for many native species – including the endangered Mary River cod – which rely on unimpeded access to upstream breeding grounds and nursery habitats to support healthy populations. Restoring a top native predator like the Mary River cod will help strengthen river health by keeping invasive fish species such as Tilapia in check.
The Berries Lagoon fishway was built by Catchment Solutions in 2018. More recently, CleanCo has partnered with the Somerset and Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Association to release Mary River cod fingerlings into local waterways such as Bundamba Creek and the Bremer River.
After five years of re-stocking cod into Ipswich waterways, this was the first time the migratory species had been observed navigating the fishway. It’s a major win for native fish conservation.
Along with the Mary River cod, fish sampling conducted at Berries Lagoon in September found Australian bass and Sea mullet were also using the fishway – important recreational and indigenous fish species.
CleanCo’s Berries Lagoon Weir allows for an offtake of water from the Bremer River into Swanbank Cooling Water Dam, which supports operations at our gas-fired power station. CleanCo continues to manage the weir carefully to balance energy and environmental outcomes.
We’re proud to play a part in local conservation efforts. Seeing the species now migrating through the fishway is a powerful sign that our partnerships and persistence are making a real difference.
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.
Linville community garden becomes a reality
A new community garden in Linville is set to bring people together — and provide plenty of fruit for jam-making — thanks to support from CleanCo’s Community Futures Fund. As a Queensland Government-owned clean energy company, CleanCo is proud to support initiatives that strengthen regional communities.
Our sponsorship of the Linville Progress Association community garden project has helped volunteers create a “jam wall” trellis for fruit trees, along with purchasing trees, gardening equipment, improved drainage and additional water outlets.
Local residents worked together to design the garden, located behind the community hall. The Progress Association hopes it will become a focal point for local celebrations, a source of fresh produce and a new attraction for visitors exploring the nearby Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
The Linville community hall is already a thriving hub for the Somerset region, hosting craft groups, indoor sports and movie nights, and serving as an official disaster centre in times of emergency.
With support from CleanCo, the dream of a community garden for Linville is becoming a reality.
New seating a boost for North Ipswich Bowls Club
CleanCo is helping ensure a much-loved North Ipswich sporting club continues to provide comfortable amenities and attract new members, sponsoring new bench seating for the bowling greens.
Operating since 1955, the North Ipswich Bowls Club has more than 100 members aged from 30 to 90 and provides a welcoming place for people of all ages – particularly older Australians – to connect, enjoy friendly competition and spend time outdoors.
Through our Community Futures Fund, CleanCo has supported the installation of additional seating, building on recent improvements such as disability ramps, shade over seating areas and new paved paths, all aimed at making the facilities more accessible and enjoyable.
With strong community spirit and members who pitch in to enhance the grounds, the club continues to thrive. CleanCo is proud to support a venue that brings such social benefit to the Ipswich community.
Responding to odour issues at Swanbank
Published 2 October 2025
In May this year, CleanCo became aware of increased odours in the Swanbank area both through community concerns, and because many of our team also live locally.
While odours around Swanbank are not uncommon, we had never previously detected odour coming from the ash dam. However, we discovered that unusually wet weather conditions earlier in the year led to higher inflows and increased nutrient levels in the ash dam. Around the same time, a rare event called a “turnover” — where deeper layers of water mix with surface layers — disrupted the ash dam’s balance. Together, these factors resulted in odour emissions coming from the ash dam.
After engaging an independent expert to analyse our water quality data and advise on the matter, we reduced water levels in the ash dam and installed additional aerators to restore the water’s microbial balance.
We will be updating our ash dam management procedures and will continue to engage with the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) regarding odours in the region.
While we can’t promise that there won’t be odour issues in the future, we can assure you that we will always do our best to respond quickly to community concerns. We understand odours in the Swanbank area impact daily life, and we appreciate the community’s patience while we worked through this issue.
For any further questions, please email community@cleancoqld.com.au
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.
Kuranda Weir Recovery Projects earns Excellence Awards acknowledgement
CleanCo’s Kuranda Weir Recovery Project has been named an Outstanding Nomination in the Engineers Australia QLD’s Project of the Year Award.
The award highlights Australia’s top endeavours in engineering and the teams behind them. The Project of the Year Award recognises a project that is resourceful and innovative and contributes to sustainable and ethical practices.
CleanCo submitted a joint entry with GHD for the award – a category that was highly competitive, with 10 other nominations. We congratulate WSP Australia and BESIX Watpac on their winning nomination for the Kangaroo Point Bridge.
Project background
When Tropical Cyclone Jasper hit far north Queensland in December 2023, it wasn’t just a weather event that significantly damaged our infrastructure – it became a test of resilience, engineering judgement, and regional leadership.
The Kuranda Weir, which controls water flowing into our Barron Gorge Power Station, suffered significant damage. About 50 metres of embankment was washed away, disconnecting the power station’s water intake and suspending operations.
The Barron River and power station are vital to local tourism. White-water rafting and other river operators rely on stable water levels and flows. Kuranda Scenic Railway, adjacent to the weir, suspended services due to infrastructure damage. Reinstatement of the weir was crucial to resuming these economic activities.
In just six months, our team designed and implemented a rockwall cofferdam to regain control and storage of the Barron River and restore 66MW of renewable generation at the Barron Gorge Power Station. Within 12 months, we had designed and delivered a new concrete embankment wall — just in time for the next wet season.
This project wasn’t just a rebuild – it has set a new benchmark for climate-adaptive infrastructure and sustainable engineering. Lessons learned from this project will inform future climate resilient efforts.
This project is a credit to the people behind it – the engineers, operators and specialists from across a range of CleanCo business areas, as well as contractors, Traditional Owners, and the Kuranda community, who worked shoulder to shoulder through a disaster recovery with precision, urgency, and care. Read more about the project.
From legacy to innovation: exploring new uses for Swanbank coal ash
CleanCo’s Swanbank site has a plentiful supply of coal ash, a legacy of 50 years of energy generation from two coal-fired power stations that once operated at the Ipswich site. In a new collaboration with critical minerals manufacturer Lava Blue, CleanCo is helping to explore whether this ash could be used as feedstock for High Purity Alumina (HPA), a key material in clean energy applications.
Supported by a $480,000 grant from the Queensland Government’s Collaborative Development Program, Lava Blue recently collected coal ash samples from Swanbank to assess its potential as feedstock for HPA.
HPA is a high-value, in-demand material used in LED lighting, synthetic sapphire glass for scratch-resistant lenses, and ceramic coatings in lithium-ion batteries.
The research will be carried out at Lava Blue’s Centre for Predictive Research into Speciality Materials (PRISM) in the Redlands, with early results from the research expected in late 2026.
As CleanCo transforms our Swanbank site into a Clean Energy Hub, responsibly repurposing coal ash is one way we’re closing the loop – creating sustainable opportunities from legacy materials to support the energy transition.
Have your say on the future of Swanbank Lakeside Park
CleanCo is inviting the Ipswich community to help shape the future of Swanbank Lakeside Park, as part of a broader project to revitalise the historic Swanbank power station precinct.
Located within the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub precinct, the park is a unique green space with views across Swanbank Lake. It has a rich history in the Ipswich region. Once a popular gathering place for local families and community events, the park remains a special part of the area’s landscape.
This refresh reflects CleanCo’s commitment to listening to the community and delivering positive outcomes that showcase local values and connection.
Part of the fabric of Ipswich
CleanCo’s Community Performance Manager Natasha Shaw said Swanbank Lakeside Park has long been part of the fabric of Ipswich.
“For generations, locals have come out to Swanbank to picnic, celebrate birthdays, or just take in the peace and quiet – it’s part of our local story,” Ms Shaw said.
“As Ipswich continues to grow and change, we want to make sure this space reflects what the community values. That’s why we’re having this conversation and this is your chance to shape its future.
“Whether it’s more picnic and play areas, better walking tracks or protecting the natural surrounds, we want to hear directly from locals.”
Locals excited to see the revitalised park
Swanbank Clean Energy Hub Community Reference Group member Thiew Atem has been involved in community consultation about the CleanCo site for more than two years and said he is excited about the revitalisation of the Lakeside Park.
“I live close by the Swanbank site at Ripley. My wife and I are always looking for nearby places to explore and enjoy with our young family. It would be great to have another park close to Ripley that gives us space for enjoying outdoor activities,” Mr Atem said.
“I really hope Ipswich residents take the opportunity to provide feedback about the concept designs for the park. It’s important that the design meets the needs of our growing community.”
Vote now!
Community consultation is now open, with a short online survey available throughout July.
As part of the consultation, the community can explore and engage on a range of proposed features, including picnic and play areas, walking paths, native gardens, signage and improved access.
The refresh forms part of CleanCo’s broader transformation of the Swanbank precinct into a Clean Energy Hub, a future-focused site that brings together sustainable energy generation, large-scale battery storage and space for the community to enjoy. Building on more than half a century of energy generation history, the Swanbank precinct continues to evolve as a key contributor to Queensland’s energy future.
Consultation is open until 31 July 2025. To complete the survey or find out more, visit: Swanbank Lake Park revitalisation | Reimagine Swanbank
Empowering aged care in the Somerset region
Navigating the aged care system can be complex, but with the right support, it becomes much more manageable.
CleanCo is proud to support Somerset Assist through our Community Futures Fund. Built on the philosophy of ‘locals assisting locals’, Somerset Assist offers a range of services to help older people in the Somerset region access the support they need.
Our funding enabled Somerset Assist to purchase a marquee for use at community events—raising their profile while providing valuable information about aged care services. We also supported catering costs for local information sessions, which bring together aged care providers and clients in an inclusive, welcoming environment.
Somerset Assist’s support begins from the very first phone call and continues through every step of the journey. Their team stays in touch during the aged care assessment process and advocates when a client’s needs change.
Many of their services are offered by dedicated volunteers—a true reflection of the organisation’s deep commitment to supporting and valuing older Australians.
At CleanCo, we’re proud to help create a future where community care and connection thrive. Learn more about the services provided by Somerset Assist here. Read more about the Community Futures Fund.
