Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project advances Indigenous engagement
The Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project, Queensland's first pumped storage hydro development in four decades, is establishing innovative ways of fostering Indigenous employment and engagement outcomes in the renewable energy sector.
The Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project, Queensland's first pumped storage hydro development in four decades, is establishing innovative ways of fostering Indigenous employment and engagement outcomes in the renewable energy sector.
We spoke to Genex Power’s John Vanderloos, the Project Manager tasked with overseeing the construction of the colossal hydro project.
As the beneficiary of a $610 million loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, John highlighted the impact of NAIF's funding, which has enabled the development of the project designed to provide reliable power supply during peak periods across North Queensland.
“NAIF's loan to the project was a catalyst to get the project up off the ground.” said John, “this is the first, pumped storage hydro project to be developed in Queensland in 40 years.”
Once Australia’s largest open-cut gold mine operating between 1921 until 1945, the disused site will be converted into what will be Australia’s third largest hydroelectric energy storage project. NAIF’s debt finance has paved the way for the development of:
- The upper reservoir dam construction
- Advanced powerhouse and generator facilities
- Purpose-built ‘Oaks Rush’ accommodation camp
- Modern substation installation
- Resurfacing of the local airstrip
- 186-kilometre power transmission line connecting Kidston to Mount Fox
Indigenous engagement is another key factor in the project's success, with significant achievements in employment and cultural inclusion. As a condition of NAIF’s project finance, all proponents are required to implement an Indigenous Engagement Strategy (IES) and report on the projects performance in delivering outcomes for participation, employment and procurement. Genex originally set targets of 5% employment but quickly surpassed this target with 9.4% of their workforce coming from an Indigenous background. In collaboration with their construction partner McConnell Dowell John Holland Joint Venture, the team have also generated nearly half a million dollars in Indigenous procurement opportunities for local businesses.
The IES has also fostered the development of positive relationships between Genex and their key partners, including Traditional Owners, the Ewamian people and Indigenous-owned Group Training Organisation, Australian Training Works. These collaborations have played a pivotal role in facilitating employment and training services on the project.
"We work closely with the Ewamian group, incorporating cultural awareness into our induction process to emphasise the significance of the Kidston area to the Traditional Owners," states Vanderloos. “This commitment to cultural recognition ensures all project participants understand and respect the area's Indigenous heritage.”
The project's infrastructure development has created a foundation for future renewable energy initiatives. Genex Power is already exploring opportunities to expand the green energy hub with plans for a wind farm development south of the current site, further enhancing North Queensland's renewable energy capacity.
Looking ahead, the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project, once completed, will be a significant step forward in Australia's transition to renewable energy, making 250MW of clean energy readily available to the National Electricity Market. The project is set to deliver substantial benefits to both Indigenous communities and the broader North Queensland region projected to generate $343 million in public benefit and 530 jobs over the 15-year loan tenor. This project demonstrates how NAIF’s unique project finance offerings can align Indigenous engagement objectives with major projects to create lasting positive impacts for all stakeholders.
Under John Vanderloos’ steady guidance, the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project is quietly setting a new standard for how large infrastructure projects can work together with local communities. With support from NAIF’s funding and a strong commitment to Indigenous engagement, the project has made real, tangible progress — not just in building vital renewable energy infrastructure, but also in creating genuine opportunities for Indigenous employment and partnerships.
John and his team’s approach hasn’t been about ticking boxes, but about building trust, listening, showing respect and remaining accountable. While there’s still a way to go before the project is complete, foundations have been laid not only in the ground but also within the community. The Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro project has helped forge a future where projects like this are measured not just by megawatts generated, but by the relationships and opportunities they’ve helped to create.
Find out more about the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project
