The Palaszczuk Government has given the green light for the next stage of the Urannah Dam near Mackay.
The 1.6 million megalitre dam proposal will now undergo a detailed business case and environmental impact statement.
Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the $10 million in ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Water Infrastructure Development Funds would go to Bowen Collinsville Enterprise for their assessment of the project.
“The Palaszczuk Government has proven time and time again that it is serious about improving water security for North Queensland,” Dr Lynham said.
“For Townsville region we are funding the construction of $215 million Haughton Pipeline Duplication Project and for the Rockhampton region we are funding the $352 million Rookwood Weir project,” Dr Lynham said.
“Sunwater is also undertaking a detailed assessment of raising Burdekin Falls Dam.
“If the credentials stack up for Urannah Dam it will progress to the next stage.”
“I look forward to a detailed viability assessment of Urannah Dam being advanced.”
The proposed project would dam the Broken River in the upper Broken River Valley south east of Collinsville.
The business case must demonstrate taxpayers are delivered value for money and the appropriate due diligence has been undertaken.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Urannah Dam proposal could be a game changer to the economy and water security in the region.
“This dam could be an economic driver for the Mackay region with flow on benefits for farmers, industry and community in the Broken River catchment.” Ms Gilbert said.
“I am pleased to hear that Bowen Collinsville Enterprise has already begun sourcing engineering, geotechnical, economic and environmental advice to get the detailed business case and EIS moving.
“These assessments will help paint a picture of the viability of the Urannah Dam, and they build upon Bowen Collinsville Enterprise’s preliminary assessment work which was completed in June.”
Bowen Collinsville Enterprise is proposing to have a detailed business case for the Urannah Dam complete by late 2021.
