Don’t miss green opportunities in Hells Gate plans
THE report on the Hells Gates Dam is very welcome and we can thank Ewen Jones having Townsville Enterprise manage to take on the investigation to a successful ending.
However, as the plan includes a major hydro generation station in conjunction with its overall use there is also an opportunity in the development of the substation to use solar energy as well as wind, which could be an asset as it is a long way from any development.
There is one other important development in the planning stage – the powerline route of the Kidston Mt Fox should not run through into the dam waters, which may put a damper on the height of the dam.
Our politicians should make sure this does not happen, as a direct line from Greenvale to Mt Fox may do this.
The plan does not include a pipeline to Townsville even though it is possible that farmlands may develop in the area towards Townsville. To get past Hervey Range a tunnel would be built to include a power station at the foot of the range and it would augment the pumped water line from Clare, which is going to cost for pumping at Clare.
So, considering Hells Gates development as being long- term vision is stupidity, as there are projects that could be built now.
The most important at this stage is a well- built road from Hells Gates to the Greenvale Highway. As soon as that is passable, drilling of the foundation of the dam is necessary. The Federal Government should provide finance for this bit immediately, even if they take it off someone down south.
The building of the dam and others associated with it would help to meet greenhouse plans to 2030. But for goodness sake get on with it. GARTH HARRIGAN,
Aitkenvale.