Half solution proposed for water problem

IN Tony Raggatt’s recent article on the plans for Burdekin Falls Dam, respected engineer Tony Manning suggested the state government was looking at a “half solution”.

Well as a lifelong livestock breeder, dryland crop producer and irrigator in several states, with a humble degree from the university of ‘ hard knocks’, I would suggest that he and other contributors to Tony’s article, are proposing further “half solutions”.

The whole picture regarding water storage and use involves much broader, serious issues of inefficient use of existing available water and resultant unsustainable level of the water table throughout much of the Burdekin system.

Many are aware that there are some very astute irrigators in the region delivering very substantial productivity gains on lower water consumption.

Queensland Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Anthony Lynham suggests the current usage levels are costing the industry $150M/annum, and his call for federal funds to address this was sadly rejected.

The feds loudly trumpet their $5 billion fund to deliver more water from new dams, without allocating parallel funds to prevent expanding the issues of rising water tables and salt and not open to challenge the Burdekin Falls Dam by 14 metres, seems a very rash suggestion without a comprehensive examination of the condition of the original foundations and their capability of withstanding the extra pressure.

So one would hope someone has the wisdom power to propose splitting the difference at six to eight metres and minimise the risk of blowing the lot.

JOHN KERSH,

Giru.