- The Crisafulli Government is strengthening Queensland's energy infrastructure with the completion of CleanCo's Kuranda Weir Recovery Project.
- Major reconstruction following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper improves resilience and supports the 66-megawatt Barron Gorge Hydro Power Station.
- The project supports the Crisafulli Government's Energy Roadmap, which is improving existing energy assets to deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable energy, after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering stronger, more resilient energy infrastructure for Far North Queensland, with the completion of CleanCo's Kuranda Weir Recovery Project.
The major reconstruction has strengthened infrastructure supporting the 66-megawatt Barron Gorge Hydro Power Station, after extreme weather events associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper washed away 50 metres of the weir's embankment in December 2023.
The Kuranda Weir is essential to the operations of the power station, supplying water for electricity generation.
Initial recovery works enabled CleanCo to return the station to service just six months after the cyclone, while progressing permanent repairs to better withstand future floods.
The completed works include replacing the damaged earthen embankment with a permanent concrete structure, stabilising the remaining embankment and installing additional protection against erosion and damage to the neighbouring rail corridor.
The project supports the Crisafulli Government's Energy Roadmap, which is delivering more affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for Queenslanders, after power prices surged under the former Labor Government.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the completed project demonstrated the importance of strengthening Queensland's existing energy infrastructure.
"The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future by improving what we have while we build what we need for the future," Treasurer Janetzki said.
"Investments in reliability underpins our regional businesses and industries, and is reflected in the 6.9 per cent power price drop for regional Queensland households and 8.1 per cent drop for regional businesses compared with Labor when prices jumped by 29 percent."
Member for Barron River Bree James said the project supported the infrastructure that local households and businesses depended on.
"Reliable electricity underpins Far North Queensland's regional economy, supporting local businesses, tourism and the communities that depend on them." Ms James said.
"At a time when Queenslanders' hip pockets are feeling the pressure of a national affordability crisis, a drop in power bills thanks to the Energy Roadmap is real, tangible, structural cost-of-living relief."
CleanCo Chief Executive Officer Tom Metcalfe said the project reflected the expertise and commitment of the people behind the recovery.
"Returning Barron Gorge to service within six months was a significant achievement strengthening the resilience of this important asset to support Queensland's energy needs into the future," Mr Metcalfe said.
"We're proud to have built Kuranda Weir back better, ready to support reliable energy for Queensland for years to come."
