Rethink urged on dam funding model

The State and Federal Governments are being urged to review the assessment procedures used to tick off on dam-building projects after a report highlighting shortcomings in the system. The Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC) commissioned the research in Long Term Analysis of the Role of Dams. Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said that under current assessment models in Queensland, the full costs of dam construction and operation must be fully recovered from water users within 30 years of the build. “This is a grossly short-sighted approach that fails to assess the full economic benefits of any dam,” Cr Manning said. “Dams typically have a lifetime of 150 years or more, so it is disingenuous to place cost recovery timeframes of just 30 years on such infrastructure. “Take for example Tinaroo Dam, which was built 60 years ago and is expected to still be here in 100 years. Today, the dam’s economic footprint is vast. “It underpins Mareeba’s agricultural industry which is estimated to be worth over $450 million each year, not to mention it’s economic value in supporting numerous other industries and communities in the Far North.” Water Minister Glenn Butcher said the State Government would look at the report from FNQROC and examine the issues it raised. "The Palaszczuk Government has a strong track record on water infrastructure, with almost $1.9 billion committed since 2015," he said. "However, it’s essential that the infrastructure we build today is an asset, not a liability, for future generations. "That means we need to make careful and considered decisions about what we invest in. "Queensland is also not alone in assessing infrastructure this way – all Australian states are signed up to the Federal Government’s National Water Initiative, which includes cost recovery as one of the factors to be considered in assessing infrastructure. "As I’ve said before, I’m always happy to look at proposals that seek to improve water security in Queensland." Cr Manning said that failure to invest in critical, long-term infrastructure was irresponsible. “Our generation makes decisions that affect the welfare and integrity of future generations,” Cr Manning said. “It is essential that we commit to building the critical infrastructure required for future growth and prosperity; not doing so would be negligent and irresponsible.” See the full Long Term Analysis of the Role of Dams report HERE

Rethink urged on dam funding model

Industry Queensland

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