MACKAY WHITSUNDAY REGIONAL WATER MASTER PLAN BEGINS

Water Minister Craig Wallace and Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin today announced the start of work on an historic water blueprint for the Mackay Whitsunday region for the next 50 years.

Mr Wallace and Mr Mulherin launched the Mackay Whitsunday Regional Water Supply Strategy (MWRWSS) while at a Ministerial Community Forum in Sarina.

“The future growth and prosperity of the Mackay Whitsunday region will depend on its water supply,” Mr Wallace said.

“The Mackay Whitsunday Strategy will deliver a comprehensive plan which will identify the long-term water needs for the region’s growth for the next 50 years,” he said.

“The strategy will also identify how to make best use of existing water supplies and new infrastructure that may be needed for additional water supplies.”

Options that will Mackay Whitsunday Strategy will consider include:

·Desalination plants, either permanent or temporary, to provide emergency back-up water supplies.

·Waste water recycling similar to the Mackay Water plan to provide high quality recycled water by 2008 for use by sugar cane farmers.

·Raising Kinchant Dam. The Premier Peter Beattie announced during last year’s election campaign that $3.5 million would be spent on raising the dam, which supplies water to irrigators and Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay coal terminals.

·New possible water storages at: Blacks Creek, in the PioneerRiver catchment; AndromacheRiver, near Proserpine; and Carmila Creek, between Sarina and St Lawrence.

·A current detailed groundwater assessment currently occurring in the Pioneer river area will be included in the strategy.

·Greater use of water-efficient shower heads and washing machines, more rainwater tanks, pools covers and greywater systems.

Mr Mulherin said the Mackay Whitsunday region was already experiencing growth as a service centre for Queensland’s mining development and also as a tourism destination.

Annual population figures released earlier this month show that Mirani Shire was the seventh fastest growth area in Queensland while Whitsunday was tenth fastest.

“It is important that we identify, plan and coordinate the development of our future water needs now so that we can meet the demand in a sustainable way as the regional growth continues,” Mr Mulherin said.

Current dam levels in the region are: Peter Faust Dam (34.8%), Eungella Dam (54.8%), Kinchant Dam (99%), Teemburra Dam (50%), Mirani Weir (63%), Marian Weir (105%) and Dumbleton Weir (72%).

The Mackay Whitsunday strategy will:

·Examine current demands for urban, industrial and agricultural water supply

·Estimate the additional water demands for anticipated regional growth

·Determine the capacity of existing water supply facilities to meet the current and future water demands

·Examine alternatives to secure any additional supplies required;

·Make recommendations for preferred water infrastructure to match demand while meeting environmental, economic and social benchmarks; and help manage the consequences of climate change.

To ensure the success of the project, a regionally-based Strategy Management Committee is being established.

The committee, with representation from Local and State Government, Industry, Water Service Providers and Community Interests, will bring together their combined expertise to ensure all options are considered and the outcomes will meet the needs of the region.

The strategy is expected to be completed in mid to late 2008.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 3896 3689 or 0407 131 654.