Government pushing ahead with SEQ dam proposals: Bligh

4 January 2007

Cedar Grove: The State Government is making significant progress in its plans to build new dams to meet the pressing water needs of a fast growing South-east Queensland.

Acting Premier Anna Bligh said today, while inspecting the site for the new Cedar Grove Weir, that detailed planning was well underway for the proposed dam at Traveston Crossing in the Mary River Valley and the Wyaralong Dam near Boonah.

“The Government is working cooperatively with landowners in the Traveston area to make the purchase of land needed for the new dam run as smoothly as possible,” Ms Bligh said.

“We are very conscious of the personal and financial needs of landowners and have now reached agreement with 184 property owners in the Traveston Crossing Dam area.

“To date 132 contracts have been signed and 112 settlements have been completed. It means contracts have been signed for about 22% of the properties required.

“There has also been considerable interest in the draft Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact Statement with about 160 people attending an Information Day held in December at the Traveston Crossing Dam site.

“Attendees took away about 180 draft Terms of Reference documents on the day. The documents are also available on the Coordinator-General’s web site.

“There have also been meetings with State and Federal Members of Parliament, local councils and community interest groups.”

Ms Bligh said good progress was also being made in preparation for construction of the Wyaralong Dam.

“There have now been a number of meetings or telephone conversations with all landholders who are directly affected by the Wyaralong Dam proposal.

“Eight of the 18 properties that are required are owned by State Government and draft Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact Statement will be available on 13 January.”

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900