LNP vows to push on with dam program

THE Queensland opposition has backed Mareeba Shire Council’s move to limit development on the proposed Nullinga Dam site.

LNP leader Deb Frecklington said her party was “right behind” an important project that would boost local agriculture, create jobs and provide water security for the Far North.

“The LNP was committed to progressing Nullinga Dam as part of its statewide program of new water infrastructure projects,” she said.

“The council and the LNP both understand water means jobs and economic security, and if elected on October 31, a LNP government will push ahead with the Nullinga Dam.”

The Palaszczuk government shelved the project in August 2019 when a detailed business case showed the Tablelands dam, which would be located on the Walsh River west of Atherton, was not economically viable.

The council tabled an amendment to its planning scheme at July’s meeting with the Nullinga Dam overlay identifying the protected parcel and making all proposals – except for a dwelling house and associated outbuildings – “impact assessable development”.

The northern Tablelands council was encouraging stakeholders to make submissions about the proposed planning scheme alteration during the current public consultation, which is open until October 9.

Ms Frecklington said an LNP government would establish a new corporation called the Queensland Dam Company to develop new water infrastructure projects that included Nullinga Dam.