The LNP has released a $1.3 billion water infrastructure package for critical projects across North and Central Queensland – a huge change to the current policy of the Palaszczuk Government.

Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, said the Queensland LNP was determined to make the most of the Federal Government’s Northern Australia focus on developing new water infrastructure.

Mr Cripps said Labor was actively working against the progress of major new water infrastructure projects in North and Central Queensland, such as the Nullinga Dam and Rookwood Weir.

“While the Palaszczuk Labor Government is anti-dam, the Queensland LNP is pro-dam and we have announced a $1.3 billion commitment to get four major projects underway” said Mr Cripps.

“The LNP has identified Nullinga Dam, raising the Burdekin Falls Dam, Urannah Dam and Rookwood Weir, in addition to our commitment to secure water for Townsville’s future” he said.

Mr Cripps said the LNP’s $1.3 billion water infrastructure package included:

• A $10 million contribution towards a $20 million Environmental Impact Statement, jointly funded with the Federal Government, to progress the Nullinga Dam project in Far North Queensland, securing water for the agricultural sector and supply for the City of Cairns.
• A $10 million contribution towards a $20 million Environmental Impact Statement, jointly funded with the Federal Government, to raise the Burdekin Falls Dam south of Townsville, increasing the water storage capacity by 590,000 ML to 2.4 million ML.
• A$10 million contribution towards a $20 million Environmental Impact Statement, jointly funded with the Federal Government, to progress the Urranah Dam project, which would have a storage capacity of 863,000 ML.
• Stage 1 of the $260 million Rookwood Weir project west of Rockhampton, with a 65,400 ML capacity, following a previous $130 million commitment by the Federal Government.
• A $225 million commitment to upgrade the Haughton Channel and duplicate the Ross River Dam pipeline, to increase the additional water supply capacity to the City of Townsville.

“Feasibility studies and EIS assessments are essential parts of delivering a major piece of economic infrastructure and these commitments from the LNP will progress these projects”.

“The Palaszczuk Government is refusing to release the feasibility study for the Nullinga Dam, but the LNP is determined to ensure these projects progress and are soon shovel-ready”.

Mr Cripps said while Labor was captured by the Greens, a Queensland LNP Government would set up a Queensland Dam Company, as a vehicle to deliver new water infrastructure projects.