Queensland’s energy infrastructure has received a resilience boost following the completion of CleanCo’s Kuranda Weir Recovery Project in Far North Queensland.
The major reconstruction provided significant structural upgrades to the critical weir, which supplies water to power the 66-megawatt Barron Gorge Hydro Power Station. The facility suffered catastrophic damage in December 2023 when extreme flooding associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper washed away a 50-metre section of the weir’s earthen embankment.
Initial recovery efforts enabled state-owned energy generator CleanCo to return the hydro station to service within six months. The subsequent permanent reconstruction replaced the destroyed earthen section with a robust concrete structure. Engineers also stabilised the remaining embankment and installed reinforced erosion protection to safeguard the neighbouring rail corridor against future extreme weather events.
The completion supports the state government’s Energy Roadmap, aimed at strengthening existing generation assets to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable power.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said optimising current state assets underpins regional economic stability. He noted that regional Queensland households and businesses are benefiting from recent electricity price reductions of 6.9 per cent and 8.1 per cent respectively.
Member for Barron River Bree James welcomed the project’s completion, stating that secure electricity generation directly supports Far North Queensland’s local businesses, tourism operators, and broader regional communities while providing tangible cost-of-living relief.
“Reliable electricity underpins Far North Queensland’s regional economy, supporting local businesses, tourism and the communities that depend on them,” James said.
CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe praised the delivery team’s technical achievement, noting that building the Kuranda Weir back better ensures the long-term resilience of Barron Gorge Hydro as a key contributor to Queensland’s clean energy supply.
“We’re proud to have built Kuranda Weir back better, ready to support reliable energy for Queensland for years to come.”