It has been described as the most unique site in the world for a massive power project, but for dozens of families it also means they no longer have a future in a pristine part of Queensland.
The state government's announcement of a five-gigawatt pumped hydro project in the Pioneer Valley, west of Mackay, has come as a shock to residents, the local mayor, and parliamentarians.
Some say they thought it was a late April Fool's joke when they were told that their land would be flooded and turned into a reservoir.
