Burdekin region’s water future in the spotlight

North Queensland needs a water plan that takes a holistic view of the Burdekin River system and allows for future development, Townsville Enterprise says. The economic development group was commenting as the Federal Government yesterday pledged $5.5 million to fund a Burdekin Regional Water Assessment. It came as Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek and State Water Minister Glenn Butcher attended a water infrastructure round table in Townsville. The Burdekin water funding is part of an $11.5 million federal commitment to partner with the State Government on strategic planning work, also covering assessments for Central Queensland and the Darling Downs region. Townsville Enterprise released details of its submission to the State Government’s Burdekin Basin Water Plan Review. Townsville Enterprise chief executive officer Claudia Brumme-Smith said the main aim of the revised Burdekin Basin Water Plan must be to provide North Queensland with a long-term, sustainable, economic, environmental, and social future. “Water needs to be actively governed and the plan must be well informed on demand, environmental and social impacts - not only in the existing known part of Burdekin system but with a holistic view of the overall system," she said. "Several business cases including Hells Gates Dam and feasibility studies have been developed for the region and these insights must be taken into consideration when developing the new Burdekin Basin Water Plan. “For the region’s water security, to unlock prime agricultural land, private investment and create new industries like hydrogen, North Queensland needs a plan that will enable us to build capacity into the future.” In a joint media statement, MS Plibersek and Mr Butcher said the Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments were committed to working together to deliver projects that stacked up economically and environmentally. “The Regional Water Assessment will ensure future investments are made based on all the facts, thorough analysis and the best available science," Mr Butcher said. “With the Regional Water Assessment and the Burdekin Water Plan review occurring concurrently, we will deliver the most thorough and considered plan for investment in the Burdekin Basin’s history.” Kennedy MP Bob Katter said while he welcomed the opportunity to make a submission, World War III would break out there was any attempt to raise the Burdekin Dam wall. “If you’re a Burdekin famer, watch out mate, because they will be taking your water and your farm off you so they can produce the most expensive electricity in the world. Secondly, it is only fill-in “peak load” electricity – not base load. Thirdly, raising the wall completely destroys Bradfield," he said.

Burdekin region’s water future in the spotlight

Industry Queensland

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