HOPE IN HELLS
Preliminary study says mega dam is ‘ viable’
THE multi- billion dollar Hells Gates Dam project is technically viable, according to preliminary findings of a detailed feasibility study into the major infrastructure proposal.
Townsville Enterprise Policy and Investment director Michael McMillan said the technical feasibility component of the project was completed.
“What is so promising, technically, is that the development looks like it will stack up,” he said.
“We are now looking at the economic feasibility of the development.
“But on face value, the feedback is that it is all positive at this stage.”
Mr McMillan said a final report would be delivered to stakeholders next month before being released to the public in May.
THE multi- billion dollar Hells Gates Dam project is technically viable, according to preliminary findings of a detailed feasibility study into the major infrastructure proposal.
Townsville Enterprise Policy and Investment director Michael McMillan said the technical feasibility component of the project was completed.
“What is so promising, technically, is that the development looks like it will stack up,” he said.
“We are now looking at the economic feasibility of the development.
“But on face value, the feedback is that it is all positive at this stage.”
Mr McMillan said a final report would go to stakeholders next month, and released to the public in May.
The $ 2.2 million feasibility study, which started early last year, was funded under the Federal Government’s National Water Infrastructure Development Fund and project managed by Townsville Enterprise.
The 12- month study set out to determine the dam’s engineering, environmental and economic feasibility.
The Hells Gates Dam project has been in discussion since 1938 and has been the subject of a number of investigations in the 1970s through to 2014.
The study will produce the first full feasibility report on the dam and irrigation scheme and is a precursor to attracting investment for the construction of the huge project.
Mr McMillan said the project would double the irrigated agriculture capacity of Northern Australia, provide water security for Townsville and generate power.
“There is a business case for the development of the dam,” he said. “The study has looked into the long- term urban water supply and security for Townsville. The suggestion is that there is a viable option to guarantee water security long term for Townsville.
“And there is the opportunity for large- scale pumped hydro- electricity at the back of the dam that could generate 12,000 megawatts. That is the political clincher.
“We expect consideration and interest will be driven from both levels of government, was well as locally,” he said. “TEL has always been fairly measured in our views to the feasibility of Hells Gates.
“There were concerns initially that it might not be feasible. But thankfully that is not the case. We now have something strong to go and advocate to all levels of government on behalf of North Queenslanders.”