Construction on Emu Swamp Dam in Queensland’s Granite Belt can now get under way after a long awaited commitment from the Queensland State Government matches funding that had been in place for many months from the Federal Liberal and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s Government and a significant commitment from local farmers for the project.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said that it was welcome news that the Queensland Labor Government came to the party and stumped up the remaining funds.
“After a long period of talking about it, I am very pleased that State Water Minister Dr Anthony Lynham has finally committed to this crucial project in the Queensland’s Granite Belt,” Mr McCormack said.
“We will work collaboratively with the State Government to make sure we get this project moving as quickly as we can.
“It’s so important to the local economy and to the region’s growers who are carting water to be able to survive. This is the time to build water infrastructure in this country and I am proud the Liberals and the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s are getting on with the job.
“We’re going to get the excavators and shovels in the ground digging holes in Stanthrope site very soon, making sure that we have the water infrastructure to support this community the way it should be.
“It’s been far too long since we’ve built a dam in this country. I am excited that Emu Swamp Dam will soon become a reality.
“The Federal and Liberal and ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s Government said we would build more dams and water infrastructure to provide for the future of our nation and that is what we intend to do in this term of Government.”
Member for Maranoa and Minister for Water Resources David Littleproud said the Federal Government would contribute $42 million to the project.
“This project will give Granite Belt producers the water security they need,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Local farmers have reached into their own pockets to chip in more than $23.4 million.
“I’m pleased the Queensland Government has finally come to it senses and got on board.
“We should have a consensus on water security instead of playing politics.
“I’m committed to working with all levels of Government and local growers to make sure the Dam is built.
“Earlier this year we helped the State Government out by contributing an extra $5 million for roads and site works.
“This reduced the contribution needed from the State from $18.6 million to $13.6 million.
“It’s good to see we are now working together for the good of Granite Belt producers.”
The Emu Swamp Dam will create 700 new full-time jobs with 135 jobs created during construction and inject $67.8 million into the local economy.
