Mayor eager for new weir to fall under council ownership

MAYOR Frank Beveridge wants Charters Towers Regional Council to be owner and operator of Big Rocks Weir if the financial analysis of the business case is positive.

Cr Beveridge said the business case, which Townsville Enterprise revealed was expected to be completed in July, would present a range of options for ownership and operation of the weir asset, the first to be built in the region since 1996.

He said typically weirs were run by the State Government.

“Big Rocks is one of the most shovel-ready projects in North Queensland with $30 million in funding committed and ready to go,” he said.

“It will provide a jobs boost for local tradies and suppliers.

“Longer term it presents big opportunities for agriculture in our region, including more onfarm employment and capital works, as well as food processing and handling services to supply domestic and export markets.”

Cr Beveridge said the option of council owning and operating the Big Rocks Weir would be about maximising its value to the local community.

“Water harnessed by the weir needs to be affordable and widely available to farmers and industry,” he said.