Salary Point Classification Review
CleanCo Queensland has engaged external advisors to conduct an independent review of CleanCo’s method for classifying employee salary levels and its internal processes.
The review was initiated after employees made enquiries regarding their individual Salary Point classifications following the implementation of the Working at CleanCo Enterprise Agreement 2023 (Brisbane EA) on 7 June 2024.
The review is examining the organisation’s processes around Role Grading and Salary Point Classification to ensure all employees are classified and paid correctly based on the Brisbane EA.
The review work includes developing a revised Salary Point Classification Methodology and it is expected that this will result in the re-classification of some roles under the Brisbane EA. CleanCo has also proactively engaged with the Fair Work Ombudsman on this matter.
Impacted employees will be remediated at the completion of the review. Regardless of any change to the Salary Point Classification Methodology, no employee’s current base salary will be reduced.
The review is ongoing and is expected to be finalised later in 2025.
Swanbank E Power Station returns to service
Swanbank E has successfully returned to service, supporting the continued delivery of reliable, affordable energy for Queensland.
All works were completed safely and carefully, with CleanCo prioritising the wellbeing of our people, partners and the community throughout the process.
Swanbank E Power Station – Offline
16 April 2025
Swanbank E Power Station is currently offline following a fault identified in the gas turbine cooling air system on Friday 4 April.
Consistent with market obligations, notification of the outage was provided to the Australian Energy Market Operator on 4 April 2025.
CleanCo has been working closely with the original equipment manufacturer and independent experts to carry out the associated repair and further detailed inspections and assurance activities across the affected system and other components recently serviced during the unit’s major overhaul late last year.
While Swanbank E was originally scheduled to return to service on 18 April, inspections on 15 April identified two additional flange fittings requiring attention. While repairs are progressing as planned, sourcing of specialist components and machining delays on the blowoff valve shaft have resulted in a revised return-to-service date.
The Australian Energy Market Operator and CleanCo’s outage register have been updated.
CleanCo has a diversified generation portfolio that includes hydro, gas and renewable energy assets, ensuring we can meet customer demand and maintain support for the electricity grid during the outage.
Swanbank E is currently scheduled to return to service on 23 April 2025.
Information on CleanCo’s outages can be found at www.cleancoqueensland.com.au/portfolio/outages/ or via this link.
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
Grants now available for Queensland communities
Published 24 March 2025
From a new vaccine fridge for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in far north Queensland to resources for a community garden project in Linville…CleanCo’s Community Futures Fund is making a real difference in communities across Queensland.
The latest round of grants has just opened and community organisations are invited to submit applications. Organisations have until Wednesday 7 May 2025 to submit an application.
Since it opened in 2023, CleanCo’s Community Futures Fund has delivered more than $100,000 in funding to 25 initiatives across Queensland. The fund has supported a wide range of projects and events, all with the common theme of making a positive contribution to the communities that host CleanCo’s operational assets.
Eligible organisations include not-for-profit organisations or events; community services (eg. daycare, recreational groups, sporting clubs, arts and culture); First Nations initiatives; educational institutes; and small businesses.
Through the program we facilitate sponsorships to organisations in 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Queensland: Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Darling Downs, Goondiwindi, Ipswich, Mareeba, Rockhampton, Somerset, Southern Downs, Tablelands and Western Downs.
Learn more about the Community Futures Fund.
Applications close Wednesday 7 May 2025.
Petra’s vacation experience cements her passion
Published 26 February 2025
Spending the 2024-25 summer as a vacation student at CleanCo has cemented Petra Celebicanin’s interest in renewable energy.
An electrical engineering student at the University of Queensland, Petra was assigned to CleanCo’s Strategy and Development team, where she was quickly immersed in the world of grid-scale batteries.
As she is studying for a second major in advanced finance and economics, Petra was delighted to be given the task of developing an operating model for a pilot NAS (sodium sulfur) battery that CleanCo is investigating. She was able to work with engineers, sustainability experts and retail analysts to develop the model.
“I was asked to investigate how the different operating factors of the NAS battery would affect not only its financial sustainability but also its lifespan,” she said.
“In order to do this, I had to learn about the way the National Electricity Market operates, as well as the NAS battery technology itself.
“It was great to go to Swanbank where the NAS pilot project is based and see the site for myself. As the site is being developed into a Clean Energy Hub, I was also able to see the lithium-ion battery being built there.”
Petra said her experience at CleanCo confirmed she is on the right track with her studies.
“Being able to learn more about an innovative technology such as the NAS battery was very exciting. There are more than 250 of these types of batteries in operation around the world but currently, there is only one NAS battery operating in Australia.
“Working at CleanCo was a really positive experience for me – the people were very friendly and willing to share their knowledge with me. I learnt a lot and got a taste of what it would be like to work in the world of renewable and low emission energy – I’m excited to finish my degree and start working in this space!”
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.
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
Ipswich lights up with renewable energy thanks to new deal with CleanCo
Published: 27 September, 2024
- Miles Government and Ipswich City Council join forces to deliver better outcomes for locals
- Publicly owned energy company reaches deal to power Ipswich City Council facilities with 100 per cent renewable energy
Ipswich City Council infrastructure will be powered by renewable energy thanks to a landmark deal struck with publicly-owned generation company CleanCo Queensland.
The agreement, which kicks off on 1 October 2024, is yet another demonstration of how the Miles Government’s investments in renewable energy are supporting Queensland communities to embrace the energy transformation and reduce carbon emissions.
The contract will enable Ipswich City Council to power 100 per cent of its major buildings and streetlights from renewable sources, significantly reducing the city’s carbon footprint and marking a pivotal moment in its sustainability journey.
Supported by the Dulacca and Kaban wind farms and backed by CleanCo’s highly flexible firming assets like Wivenhoe Pumped Hydro Power Station, Ipswich residents can rest assured that their streetlights and major Council infrastructure is supported by renewable energy.
CleanCo’s Swanbank Clean Energy Hub, which will soon be home to the Swanbank Battery, exemplifies the state’s commitment to innovative and sustainable energy solutions in Ipswich and across the state.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni:
“Queensland is acting to keep prices down and expand its clean energy future through the Miles Government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
“We’re ensuring the benefits of our plan for Queensland delivers energy security for local communities.
“The Miles Government’s vision and newly legislated targets for renewable energy and decarbonisation has meant initiatives like this landmark deal will contribute to better outcomes for all communities.
“Locals should be proud to know that when they walk down the main street of Ipswich, all major Council buildings and lights are powered by renewables.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bundamba Minister Lance McCallum:
“This deal proves what we can achieve when we back local jobs and publicly owned energy.
“This deal is lighting up a bright future for Ipswich with our Big Build of renewable energy, and it’s happening right here at our local Swanbank Clean Energy Hub.
“The workers at Swanbank Power Station are at the heart of this transformation; they’re not just keeping the lights on in Ipswich, they’re powering our city’s future with clean, renewable energy.
“Queensland’s Big Build of renewable energy is delivering results – from job creation to sustainable power solutions for communities like ours, and it’s Swanbank setting the nation’s pace.
“Labor is not just talking about a clean energy future; we’re delivering it, right here in Bundamba.”
Quotes attributable to Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding:
“Ipswich City Council is delighted to partner with CleanCo to deliver one of our major sustainability goals of 50 per cent emissions reduction, by powering our major council buildings and thousands of streetlights with renewable energy.
“This partnership will switch almost 30,000 streetlights over to renewable energy, while powering our major facilities such as council’s administration building, Ipswich Central Library and Art Gallery.
“Knowing that CleanCo is operating right here in Swanbank will further cement our commitment to delivering sustainable, climate-friendly initiatives for our city.
“Reducing council’s carbon emissions will deliver real benefits for our city, and continue our focus on delivering council’s Sustainability Strategy 2021-2026.
“I’m delighted that we have reached this agreement with CleanCo and look forward to our city being lit by renewable energy.”
Quotes attributable to CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe:
“We are thrilled to partner with Ipswich City Council to support their ambitious sustainability goals.
“This agreement with Ipswich City Council is a testament to CleanCo’s mission to lead the decarbonisation of Queensland’s energy sector while fostering economic growth and job creation in local communities.
“Our investment in renewable energy projects across Queensland, including the 250MW, two-hour Swanbank Battery in Ipswich, means we are poised to provide reliable and sustainable energy that aligns with our customers’ goals and contributes to a clean energy future.
“We are proud to support Ipswich City Council as more communities right across Queensland seek opportunities to decarbonise as we move towards a net zero future.”