Priority is our water security

THE enthusiasm for Hells Gates Dam is growing within certain camps.

At best, the potential of the project is impressive, according to findings of a business study.

A summary of the study shows Hells Gates Dam could generate more than 12,000 jobs during its construction phase.

The best- case scenario is that the project could generate about $ 1.2 billion and, depending on agricultural outcomes, the cost- benefit ratio could be up to 1.4 return on the dollar investment.

Of course, the worst- case scenario doesn’t paint as positive a picture and the cost- benefit ratio could be as low as 0.68.

It’s important to highlight that the detractors will jump on the lower returns, warning that the dam doesn’t stack up.

However, with such a massive piece of infrastructure, it’s difficult to fully account for the long- term potential.

What is important to remember is that North Queensland needs water security and that the solution comes in a variety of forms.

Right now, we have the duplication of the Haughton pipeline in progress.

Townsville Council is determined to deliver that ahead of schedule.

There is a push for the second stage of that project, which would take that pipeline all the way to Clare and would provide a 50- year water solution.

Federal Labor, should it win the next election, has committed its support to that project, while the Liberal- National Coalition seems to be interested in the Hells Gates Dam.

Given the severity of our water problems in the past and the opportunity we have through agriculture, these projects are not mutually exclusive.

Both should be considered on their merits and pursued by all sides of politics for the good of the region.

What we can’t afford is for either project to become a political football, and the real worst- case scenario for Townsville is that both sides dig in their heels and try to shelve one of the projects.