- Local Sunshine Coast company GeoDrill Australia has won a share of a massive $25 million contract on the Miles Government's Big Build of Borumba Pumped Hydro to undertake essential surface-level geotechnical drilling on the project.
- The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project is one of the biggest projects on Queensland's $107 billion Big Build program of housing, clean energy, and major infrastructure.
- Borumba will allow the state to replace expensive fossil fuels with Queensland's sun, wind, and water, all while creating up to 3,000 jobs..
The Miles Labor Government's Big Build is delivering the biggest decade of infrastructure delivery in the state's history – with billions of dollars expected to pour into Queensland's small and medium-sized Queensland businesses.
The contract means that the local company will benefit from their involvement in the Big Build of pumped hydro while Queensland Hydro will benefit from their local expertise.
GeoDrill Australia, a family-owned business with specialist skills in geotechnical and water drilling services, this year received a $75,000 grant to enhance capabilities of its fleet of three Hydrapower HP850 drilling rigs.
In 2023-24, $7.39 billion was spent with Queensland SMEs, which was an increase in spend with Queensland SMEs of almost $650 million over twelve months.
Latest figures show the Queensland Government has invested more than $355 million in contracts into small and medium businesses in the Sunshine Coast region in the last financial year alone.
With Queensland's Big Build delivering the biggest decade of infrastructure delivery in the state's history, the more than 1,000 small businesses in the Sunshine Coast's construction sector are set for an even bigger boost.
As stated by Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton MP:
"This project is not just about delivering on our renewable energy targets, it's about empowering our local economy.
"Hundreds of millions of dollars in public investment will directly benefit the Sunshine Coast, driving innovation, supporting local employment, and securing a stronger economic future for the region.
"From construction to ongoing operations, this project will provide up to 3000 jobs and support a diverse range of businesses across the Sunshine Coast, just like Geodrill, who are already employing extra staff."
As stated by GeoDrill Australia & GD Water Solutions Managing Director Thomas Partleton:
"We're thrilled to be part of the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project as it represents a significant opportunity to further develop our capabilities in renewable energy.
"This project will not only grow our team by 30 new members but also contribute to the local economy and the clean energy transition.
Our expertise in geotechnical drilling aligns perfectly with the needs of this project, and we're eager to support Queensland's shift towards a sustainable energy future.
As stated by the Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum:
"Labor's commitment to small business means delivering on putting Queenslanders first by cutting out the big multinationals and ensuring our local SMEs get a fairer share.
"This is about keeping profits in our communities, creating local jobs, and driving Queensland's economic future.
"We've backed local businesses like GeoDrill with real support so they are primed for big benefits from our Big Build of Borumba…it's a win-win for all!
"Labor's Big Build puts Queensland businesses first for government contracts and we're backing our local suppliers to make the most of these opportunities for new and ongoing projects.
"The LNP have already cut thousands of jobs and opportunities for local businesses by cutting one pumped hydro project, and the risk is they will cut Borumba too, meaning local small businesses miss out.
"While the LNP bow to the whims of the mates at global giants, we're backing the backbone of Queensland—our local small businesses."
As stated by Queensland Hydro Chief Executive Office Kieran Cusack:
"It's pleasing local companies can benefit from their involvement in pumped hydro while Queensland Hydro will benefit from their local expertise.
"This is a two-year program of work, which provides local companies with certainty and surety and keeps economic benefits flowing into the region."
