Hinchinbrook community urged to be work ready in light of upcoming opportunities

Hinchinbrook Shire Council has taken the initiative to meet with the management executives of the Genex Kidston Solar Project to explore a number of opportunities for local contractors and job seekers that are expected to become available from the second phase of the integrated solar/hydro project construction. 

The Genex Kidston Solar Project (Phase Two 270MW) will be integrated and co-located with the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (250MW), located 270km north west of Townsville near the township of Georgetown.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council representatives Deputy Mayor Mary Brown, Councillor Wally Skinner, Executive Manager Development, Planning and Environmental Services Rosemary Pennisi and Development and Planning Manager Gerhard Visser visited the site and met with Genex Executive Harrison Holihan and Project Manager John Lawlor to discuss the opportunities that will be available with the second phase of the project which commences in the second half of 2018.

Cr Mary Brown said ‘The second stage of the project is expected to be five times bigger than stage one, which is currently under construction. This is a very significant project in our region with 500 jobs expected to be created from the Genex Phase 2 and another 600 jobs related to the construction of the transmission line, to connect the power generated to the grid on the coast.’

‘Hinchinbrook Shire Council recognises this project will provide employment and contracting opportunities for those residents and businesses in the shire, who are job seekers or looking to expand their operations. This is the reason Council made the decision to engage with the Genex team to gain a better understanding of the future needs of this project and plan how they can assist Hinchinbrook Shire residents to become involved. Now is the time to start planning the best way for our community to capitalise and engage with this project.’

Hinchinbrook Shire Council will continue to liaise with Genex Power and will keep the community informed as the project progresses. For more information regarding the Genex Kidston Solar Project please visit the Genex Power website www.genexpower.com.au.

Image above: Genex Power’s 50MW Kidston Solar Project (Stage 1), north west of Townsville.

Image above: Genex Power’s Kidston 270MW Pumped Storage Hydro Project site north west of Townsville.

Image above: Kidston Renewable Energy Hub overview.