Queensland Hydro Focus Groups + Community Benefits
Transparent, two-way communication unlocked with key project stakeholders and local community.
The proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Project is a large pumped hydro energy storage system at Lake Borumba, located near Imbil, west of the Sunshine Coast. As a major infrastructure project with high community and media visibility, Fourfold Studio was engaged to achieve a collaborative level of engagement and foster meaningful dialogue with stakeholders.
Set against a backdrop of environmental sensitivities, private landholder concerns, and community apprehension, the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project was met with some resistance. As a result, community members were invited to join one of several groups to participate in regular and direct consultation with Queensland Hydro to best address concerns and leverage participants’ local expertise. This has been achieved through two pathways; Project Focus Groups, and Community Benefits program.
Client: Queensland Hydro
In recognition of community member’s deep commitment to advocating for the interests of their local areas, the Focus Groups have facilitated participants to discuss in depth the topics they are most passionate about; the region, the environment, Imbil, Kilcoy, and the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project at large. As a result, these Focus Groups have been influential for Queensland Hydro to understand the impacts decision have on locals and mitigate challenges while also identifying areas of opportunity.
To support the development of the Community Benefits Program, Fourfold Studio facilitated community engagement to understand community priorities for investment as well as guage local’s perspectives on the most fair and equitable process for award. As a result, organisations can apply for funding in alignment with four strategic priorities; tourism and economy, health and wellbeing, environment and sustainability, and community connection. These funding applications are then assessed in collaboration with a panel of community members to understand the initiatives that will best delivering lasting benefits to the areas which Queensland Hydro operates in.
Fourfold Stuido continue to support Queensland Hydro in a strategic advisory capacity across both the Focus Group and Community Benefits programs and have developed ongoing positive relationships built on trust with both the team and community members.
