Dam project moves ahead Water scheme promises 1800 jobs
THE Urannah Dam project is one step closer to reality after the state and federal governments reached agreement on construction milestones yesterday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael Mccormack signed off on the agreement, which will speed up project milestones and allow the release of funds.
Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said the billion-dollar project would be shovel-ready in about 12 months.
The proposed Central Queensland dam – the only water infrastructure project in North Queensland that has attracted private investment – is expected to deliver more than 1800 jobs, improve water security across 20,000ha of prime agricultural land and provide cheaper power in North Queensland.
Mr Christensen said communities in Bowen, Collinsville and the Whitsundays were set to benefit.
“Urannah Dam is the most advanced dam project in the state,” he said.
“There’s a lot of work going on to lay the groundwork for construction, and with the necessary agreement between the state and federal governments on both the significance of this dam and the ability of the project team to meet development time frames, we can rest assured this project is happening.”
Last month the Queensland Government classified Urannah Dam as a “co-ordinated project” of state significance.
You can find out more about the Urannah Dam project through a series of regular virtual public information sessions. For more details, follow @Bowenriverutilities on Facebook.