Move helps pave way for Urannah Dam works

The $2.9 billion Urannah Dam project has jumped an administrative hurdle, with agreement reached between the State and Federal Governments on construction milestones. Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said minor amendments to the bilateral agreement on water to speed up processes and release funds had been signed off by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack. “The construction of Urannah Dam will transform the Bowen, Collinsville, Whitsundays region by delivering more than 1800 jobs along with water security, 20,000ha of prime agricultural land and cheaper power through its pumped hydro component,” Mr Christensen said. “Urannah Dam is the most advanced dam project in the state, and the developers, Bowen River Utilities, have advised me they will be shovel ready in twelve months. “There’s an awful lot of work going on to lay the groundwork for construction, and with the necessary agreement between the state and federal governments on both the significance of this dam and the ability of the project team to meet development timeframes, we can rest assured this project is happening.” The Queensland Government announced last month that Urannah Dam had been declared a ‘Coordinated Project’ reinforcing its significance. The project is being led by Bowen River Utilities in collaboration with the Bowen Collinsville Enterprise and is the only water infrastructure project in North Queensland which has attracted private investment. The proposal includes a new dam on the Broken River about 64km south-east of Collinsville with capacity of 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. Bowen River Utilities managing director John Cotter said the organisation welcomed the support of the Morrison McCormack Government and appreciated the support of hardworking local federal members like George Christensen and (Member for Capricornia) Michelle Landry. "The amendments approved by the Deputy Prime Minister ensure that BRU can continue to progress this nation-building project that will provide employment, water security, affordable electricity and high value crops for the region," he said. "We remain committed to the fast-tracked timeline and this support from the Federal Government allows us to continue on that timeline. Similarly the recent declaration of ‘coordinated status’ for the project by the Queensland Government will help to progress the project in a timely manner.” People can learn more about the Urannah Dam project via a series of regular virtual public information sessions. More on the Bowen River Utilities Facebook page HERE

Move helps pave way for Urannah Dam works

Industry Queensland

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