Pollies hail Hell’s Gate tech study
THE DEVIL is in the detail for Hells Gates Dam supporters who want to ensure the best possible version of the project gets final approval.
Local politicians have praised preliminary findings of a detailed feasibility study into the major infrastructure proposal which found the development would stack up technically.
Charters Towers Mayor Liz Schmidt said the council “fully supports” the Hells Gates Dam feasibility study but wanted water security sooner.
“We have strongly advocated that the development of the Big Rocks Weir should occur before any development of the Hells Gate Dam,” she said.
Cr Schmidt said the comparatively “smaller” $ 20 million project could be completed within a more reasonable time frame.
“The Big Rocks Weir development will provide substantial economic benefits to our region in the foreseeable future,” she said.
“Our region shouldn’t have to wait until 2035 for the possible benefits of the Hells Gate Dam.”
Kennedy MP Bob Katter said the Big Rocks Weir and Hells Gates were not mutually exclusive projects.
“There’s not an either or here, what’s a weir got to do with a major irrigation proposal,” he said.
“I’m confident the weir will be built but that should have no impact on Hells Gate.” Mr Katter, who has long supported the Hells Gates proposal, said the feasibility study was an “important step” but may need adjusting.
“The report verifies that it’s a very viable dam site that could hold a hell of a lot of water,” he said.
“But to get the full benefit we have to ensure the land they’ve identified for use is the most appropriate.”
Mr Katter said Hells Gates Dam could supply water for Townsville, irrigation for farm production and power for North Queensland.
“The preliminary report shows it’s technically feasible which we always knew. Now it’s about coming to a reasonable cost,” he said.
Mr Katter said the estimated price for the project had varied “significantly” as political support had wavered.
“We’ve been discussing this for 30 years ... I just say pick a number, it’s changed so often,” he said.
The full feasibility report is due in May.