Construction of a Public Wash Down Facility

HINCHINBROOK SHIRE COUNCIL

POWERLINK Queensland's Genex Kidston Renewable Energy Project will see the construction of a switching station on Knuckledown Road to service a new 186-kilometre transmission line from Mount Fox to Kidston. To reduce the biosecurity risks associated with the movement of machinery for this project, Council has recently approved the construction and operation of a weed seed washdown facility within the Mount Fox Cricket Ground Reserve.

Powerlink requested the opportunity to work with the Council to establish the washdown facility along the western boundary of the public reserve, not only to meet its own biosecurity obligations as part of the new transmission line but also to provide a public weed seed prevention facility on the western boundary of the Shire.

Council representatives initiated discussions with members of the Mount Fox community in early 2022 to seek local advice on the site's positioning. The Mount

Fox Cricket Grounds were agreed upon as the most suitable location. It can be accessed by community members and visitors travelling to and from western Shires into the Hinchinbrook area, preventing further potential weed seed spread.

Powerlink will be responsible for the initial construction and maintenance of the facility for the life of the Genex Project (until approximately mid-April 2024), at which point Council and the Mount Fox community will negotiate whether they will continue to operate the facility as an ongoing weed seed prevention asset for the Shire into the future.

Due to the early onset of this year's wet season, the commencement of construction works has been delayed. It is anticipated that construction will commence in early 2023 and be operational by June 2023, weather permitting, with the likelihood of it being available for use by the local and travelling public soon after.

For further information, please contact Council's Biosecurity Team on 4776 4740.

Empowering women through education and health is a priority for the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA). The QCWA Country Kitchens program, funded by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland, supports Queenslanders to adopt healthier lifestyles. To find out more about the program visit https://qcwacountrykitchens.com.au/.

Empowering women through education and health is a priority for the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA). The QCWA Country Kitchens program, funded by the Queensland Government through Health and Wellbeing Queensland, supports Queenslanders to adopt healthier lifestyles. To find out more about the program visit https://qcwacountrykitchens.com.au/.