Queensland’s Urannah Dam has been declared a coordinated project and has the potential to boost the state’s economy, create jobs and provide water security for the region.
The proposed $2.9 billion project will now go through an impact assessment process to determine any significant environmental, social, cultural and economic impacts it may have on the region.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the project has the potential to create up to 1,200 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and 675 full-time jobs once operations have commenced.
“Jobs and water security are two of the most important things for Queensland right now,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Progressing projects like this will help to secure our state’s future.
“My government is committed to supporting Queensland’s economy by supporting our key regional sectors, including agriculture.
“If we’re backing industry and helping facilitate big projects, we’re putting more Queenslanders into jobs.”
The proposed project, which includes a new dam on the Broken River, would have a capacity up to 1.5 million megalitres, as well as a water pipeline network and an irrigated precinct for high-value agriculture.
It would also feature a pumped hydro-electricity power scheme in the upper Broken River Valley, north west of Mackay.
Member for Mackay and Assistant Minister for State Development, Julieanne Gilbert, said the proponent, Bowen River Utilities, will now begin preparing a comprehensive environmental impact statement (EIS).
“This project potentially means water security and jobs for our part of Queensland,” Ms Gilbert said.
“The ongoing rigorous assessment will include extensive community consultation, so locals can help shape the requirements of the EIS.”
Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick, said the government will continue investigating proposals for new water infrastructure for central and northern Queensland.
“If there’s a big job-creating project proposed for Queensland that has merit, we’ll look at it,” Mr Dick said.
“These assessments are extremely thorough, and through the independent Office of the Coordinator-General we look to identify the most optimal projects in our regions.”
Queensland Mines and Energy Minister, Dr Anthony Lynham, said the State Government has a strong record when it comes to water infrastructure investment.
“We gave the green light for the next stage of assessment for Urannah Dam in December 2019, and since 2017 we’ve invested $848 million in water infrastructure for Queensland, creating more than regional 1,600 jobs,” Dr Lynham said.
