Published Thursday, 05 April, 2007 at 02:19 PM
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
SENATE TOLD: TRAVESTON CROSSING DAM A MUST
April 5, 2007
The State Government has lodged a 221-page submission to a Senate Inquiry setting out the overwhelming case for building the Traveston Crossing Dam, Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Anna Bligh said today.
Ms Bligh said the submission lodged yesterday with 12 volumes of supporting data proved the dam was a crucial component in the inter-related network that made up the State Government’s $7-$9 billion water grid.
She said detailed analysis included in the submission showed the Traveston Crossing Dam was vital to meet a forecast shortfall of up to 490,000ML/pa in SEQ by 2051. This included provision for climate change.
“It’s the only choice. This is the linchpin of our strategy that includes pumping water across SEQ where it is needed and using non-rainfall sources such as desalinated and purified recycled water,” Ms Bligh said.
“The long-term benefits are obvious. By the time the Traveston system is completed to Stage 2, it will provide 31%-45% of the additional water we will require. (Page 120)
“Senators can’t pick and choose like this is a smorgasbord. I urge them to read the submission so they properly understand the Traveston Crossing Dam’s critical importance to Queensland.
“The submission sets out the thorough analysis of all available data that was considered by the Government when we formulated the water grid to battle the worst drought in the history of SEQ and plan for population growth.
“The data clearly shows that out of 80 sites considered across SEQ, the Traveston Crossing Dam was ranked No. 1 in terms of yield and storage capacity. It was two and a half times better than the potential yield of the second-rated dam. (Page 110)
“Senators owe it to the people of Queensland to get across the detail and make an informed decision. Get beyond the politics and get the facts.
Ms Bligh said the dam would provide vital flood mitigation to Gympie. “Had it been in existence during the 1999 flood, it would have dropped flood levels by up to 4m in the town and saved a lot of heartache. (Page 142)
“The project will be an economic shot in the arm for the Gympie area, which is a poor-performing semi-rural shire. It will create more than 500 jobs, including approximately 150-200 for locals, and create opportunities for over 600 businesses, including about 240 local suppliers (Page 212).”
The report dispels many other misconceptions:
• Net evaporation is less than many major dams, including Wivenhoe and Borumba (Page 136)
• Geotechnical investigations have found that the site has solid foundations for a dam (Page 133).
• Effect on the rural sector. Only 1.7% of agricultural land in the Mary River Basin will be affected by Stage One. This represents 4.3% of the state’s dairy value and a meagre 0.1% of beef, horticulture and other industries (Page 124).
http://www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au/library/pdf/Senate_Inquiry_Submission_4April2007.pdf
More information: Deputy Premier’s Office, 3224 6900.
The State Government has lodged a 221-page submission to a Senate Inquiry setting out the overwhelming case for building the Traveston Crossing Dam, Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Anna Bligh said today.
Ms Bligh said the submission lodged yesterday with 12 volumes of supporting data proved the dam was a crucial component in the inter-related network that made up the State Government’s $7-$9 billion water grid.
She said detailed analysis included in the submission showed the Traveston Crossing Dam was vital to meet a forecast shortfall of up to 490,000ML/pa in SEQ by 2051. This included provision for climate change.
“It’s the only choice. This is the linchpin of our strategy that includes pumping water across SEQ where it is needed and using non-rainfall sources such as desalinated and purified recycled water,” Ms Bligh said.
“The long-term benefits are obvious. By the time the Traveston system is completed to Stage 2, it will provide 31%-45% of the additional water we will require. (Page 120)
“Senators can’t pick and choose like this is a smorgasbord. I urge them to read the submission so they properly understand the Traveston Crossing Dam’s critical importance to Queensland.
“The submission sets out the thorough analysis of all available data that was considered by the Government when we formulated the water grid to battle the worst drought in the history of SEQ and plan for population growth.
“The data clearly shows that out of 80 sites considered across SEQ, the Traveston Crossing Dam was ranked No. 1 in terms of yield and storage capacity. It was two and a half times better than the potential yield of the second-rated dam. (Page 110)
“Senators owe it to the people of Queensland to get across the detail and make an informed decision. Get beyond the politics and get the facts.
Ms Bligh said the dam would provide vital flood mitigation to Gympie. “Had it been in existence during the 1999 flood, it would have dropped flood levels by up to 4m in the town and saved a lot of heartache. (Page 142)
“The project will be an economic shot in the arm for the Gympie area, which is a poor-performing semi-rural shire. It will create more than 500 jobs, including approximately 150-200 for locals, and create opportunities for over 600 businesses, including about 240 local suppliers (Page 212).”
The report dispels many other misconceptions:
• Net evaporation is less than many major dams, including Wivenhoe and Borumba (Page 136)
• Geotechnical investigations have found that the site has solid foundations for a dam (Page 133).
• Effect on the rural sector. Only 1.7% of agricultural land in the Mary River Basin will be affected by Stage One. This represents 4.3% of the state’s dairy value and a meagre 0.1% of beef, horticulture and other industries (Page 124).
http://www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au/library/pdf/Senate_Inquiry_Submission_4April2007.pdf
More information: Deputy Premier’s Office, 3224 6900.