Kuranda Weir Recovery Project
Published: 7 February, 2024
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.
Recovery
CleanCo is continuing critical infrastructure works at the Kuranda Weir. To date, recovery efforts have focussed on making the site safe and constructing a temporary rock wall (coffer dam) to allow safe access to rebuild the weir embankment and enable operations to resume at the power station.
On 6 July 2024, the Barron Gorge Power Station was returned to service, marking the completion of Stage 1 of the recovery project.
The next phase of works includes constructing a weather resilient, permanent concrete wall at the weir.
The local community may notice increased traffic and heavy haulage during construction. Every effort will be made to minimise noise and traffic impacts for the community. CleanCo will keep the community informed of any significant disruptions or changes to planned works.
We are working closely with authorities including the Wet Tropics Management Authority, Department of Resources and the Department of Development, Manufacturing and Water. We are also working alongside Traditional Owners, the Djabugay People, who are monitoring the project and providing cultural heritage advice.
Safety is our priority
While construction is underway, there is an increased risk that water levels in the Barron River and connected waterways may change without notice. The risk is limited to within the bed and banks of the Barron River, from the Kuranda Weir to the Barron River Bridge at Kamerunga. Fast moving water is dangerous and can lead to injury or death. Undertake water activities at your own risk.
Timelines
With the temporary rock wall (coffer dam) now in place, the Barron Gorge Hydro Power Station was returned to service on 6 July 2024.
It is expected that works at the site rebuilding the permanent weir will continue until late 2024, weather and river conditions permitting.
Contact
If you have any concerns or would like more information, please contact CleanCo directly at info@cleancoqld.com.au or complaints@cleancoqld.com.au
Previous project updates
The Barron Gorge Power Station is located in the Barron Gorge National Park, approximately 20 minutes from Cairns’ CBD.
The Kuranda Weir, which stores the water required for energy generation at the hydro, is located on the Barron River about 2km from Kuranda town centre.
Water is captured at and then released from the Kuranda Weir, where it’s diverted underground to the power station. When the water passes through the generators, it makes 66MW of clean energy which is equivalent to powering approximately 70,000 homes.
The extreme volume of water in the Barron River caused the level of water in the Kuranda Weir to rise to 6.4m above the weir spillway. This amount of water broke the banks of the weir and washed out the ground around the intake structure. The damage means water cannot safely or efficiently be diverted for power generation downstream at the Barron Gorge Power Station.
The Barron Gorge Power Station site also sustained some relatively minor damage. The turbine generators and other machinery were not impacted.
The Kuranda Weir Recovery Project will be carried out in two major stages.
Stage 1 is now underway and involves the construction of a temporary rock wall (coffer dam) to divert water to allow the power station to recommence operations. It will also enable access to reinstate the embankment.
Stage 2 involves the construction of the embankment to return the weir to its original operating state.
CleanCo intends to build to a standard that will support an expected service life of at least 40 years.