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.
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!