General News
6 November, 2026
Weir reconstruction now completed
A MAJOR reconstruction of the Kuranda Weir has been completed, strengthening the infrastructure supporting the 66-megawatt Barron Gorge Hydro Power Station.
The Kuranda Weir is essential to the operations of the power station, supplying water for electricity generation.
Member for Barron River Bree James officially celebrated the completion of the CleanCo’s Kuranda Weir Recovery Project, triggered by a loss of 50m of the weir’s embankment as a result of extreme weather events associated with Cyclone Jasper in late 2023.
Initial recovery works enabled CleanCo to return the station to service just six months after the cyclone, while progressing permanent repairs to better withstand future floods.
The completed works include replacing the damaged earthen embankment with a permanent concrete structure, stabilising the remaining embankment and installing additional protection against erosion and damage to the neighbouring rail corridor.
“What was once a severely damaged site has now been rebuilt through a recovery effort that invested more than $42 million into our region, including almost $24 million spent with 75 local Far North Queensland businesses and suppliers,” Ms James said at the recent opening event.
“And the project was delivered on time and under budget. There are so many people to thank for this project - the teams at CleanCo, GHD, Koppens and many, many more, plus the workers who turned up day after day.
“Today, standing at the Kuranda Weir and hearing directly from the people who delivered this project, was proof of just how resilient our community is.
“I am proud to be part of a Government that believes in getting on with the job and delivering real outcomes for regional Queensland.
“The completed Kuranda Weir stands as a powerful reminder that when Far North Queensland faces adversity, we don’t just recover. We build back better.”
CleanCo chief executive officer Tom Metcalfe said the project reflected the expertise and commitment of the people behind the recovery.
“Returning Barron Gorge to service within six months was a significant achievement strengthening the resilience of this important asset to support Queensland’s energy needs into the future,” he said.
“We’re proud to have built Kuranda Weir back better, ready to support reliable energy for Queensland for years to come.”
