Published Tuesday, 17 July, 2007 at 01:37 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
WATER GRID PROJECTS FAST-TRACKED
The State Government has moved to expedite two vital south-east Queensland Water Grid projects, Premier Peter Beattie said today.
Mr Beattie said parts of the Eastern and Northern Pipelines had been declared Critical Infrastructure Projects under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act to fast-track access to easements.
The declarations cover the 47km Northern Pipeline stage one between the Morayfield reservoir and Landers Shoot water treatment plant, near Maleny, and mainland works for the Eastern Pipeline from North Stradbroke Island.
Mr Beattie said although the decision gives the Government the power to compulsorily acquire underground easements from private owners it was used only as a last resort if compensation negotiations broke down.
“This is not a decision taken lightly,” Mr Beattie said. “However, given the time-critical nature of these projects and the delays that could occur in the event of legal actions or delays in approvals, it is the right decision for the 2.2 million people in south-east Queensland.
“This in no way diminishes the rights of private landowners to compensation. It also means the normal environmental approval process applies.
“Where possible, these essential pipelines will follow existing power, gas and water easements and government reserves.
“In the 262km of land secured for the southern and western pipelines so far, easements were voluntarily acquired from all but eight of the 200 owners of affected properties.“
Mr Beattie said the declaration will expedite access to existing utility easements by cutting red tape between the different government agencies which control them.
He said he had limited the declaration to the mainland section of the Eastern Pipeline as the draft Water Resources Plan, which will assess the sustainability of any water take, was still being finalised.
About the Eastern Pipeline Interconnector
The EPI is a bulk water pipeline that will deliver up to 22 ML/day between North Stradbroke Island and Logan City, connecting Redland Shire to Logan City and ultimately the SEQ Water Grid.
It will be delivered in two sections – the first comprising development of a new borefield on North Stradbroke Island to existing Redland Shire infrastructure. The second stage involves developing interconnecting pipelines on the mainland between Redland Shire and Logan City.
About the Northern Pipeline Interconnector
The NPI will connect Sunshine Coast dams, weirs and other water storages with greater Brisbane as part of the SEQ Water Grid. It will have the capability to transfer 65 ML/per day, eventually with a two-way flow. However, as it is being constructed as a drought relief measure, water initially will flow north-south to take pressure off the Wivenhoe Dam system.
The first stage of the NPI will connect the Landers Shute Water Treatment Plant to the Morayfield Reservoirs in the Caboolture Shire.
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the first stage of the NPI is currently on public display. Public submissions in relation to the EIS close on 30 July 2007.
Tuesday July 17, 2007
Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 5982.
Scott Dixon
Work: 3224 5982
Mobile:0448 614 420
Mr Beattie said parts of the Eastern and Northern Pipelines had been declared Critical Infrastructure Projects under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act to fast-track access to easements.
The declarations cover the 47km Northern Pipeline stage one between the Morayfield reservoir and Landers Shoot water treatment plant, near Maleny, and mainland works for the Eastern Pipeline from North Stradbroke Island.
Mr Beattie said although the decision gives the Government the power to compulsorily acquire underground easements from private owners it was used only as a last resort if compensation negotiations broke down.
“This is not a decision taken lightly,” Mr Beattie said. “However, given the time-critical nature of these projects and the delays that could occur in the event of legal actions or delays in approvals, it is the right decision for the 2.2 million people in south-east Queensland.
“This in no way diminishes the rights of private landowners to compensation. It also means the normal environmental approval process applies.
“Where possible, these essential pipelines will follow existing power, gas and water easements and government reserves.
“In the 262km of land secured for the southern and western pipelines so far, easements were voluntarily acquired from all but eight of the 200 owners of affected properties.“
Mr Beattie said the declaration will expedite access to existing utility easements by cutting red tape between the different government agencies which control them.
He said he had limited the declaration to the mainland section of the Eastern Pipeline as the draft Water Resources Plan, which will assess the sustainability of any water take, was still being finalised.
About the Eastern Pipeline Interconnector
The EPI is a bulk water pipeline that will deliver up to 22 ML/day between North Stradbroke Island and Logan City, connecting Redland Shire to Logan City and ultimately the SEQ Water Grid.
It will be delivered in two sections – the first comprising development of a new borefield on North Stradbroke Island to existing Redland Shire infrastructure. The second stage involves developing interconnecting pipelines on the mainland between Redland Shire and Logan City.
About the Northern Pipeline Interconnector
The NPI will connect Sunshine Coast dams, weirs and other water storages with greater Brisbane as part of the SEQ Water Grid. It will have the capability to transfer 65 ML/per day, eventually with a two-way flow. However, as it is being constructed as a drought relief measure, water initially will flow north-south to take pressure off the Wivenhoe Dam system.
The first stage of the NPI will connect the Landers Shute Water Treatment Plant to the Morayfield Reservoirs in the Caboolture Shire.
The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the first stage of the NPI is currently on public display. Public submissions in relation to the EIS close on 30 July 2007.
Tuesday July 17, 2007
Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 5982.
Scott Dixon
Work: 3224 5982
Mobile:0448 614 420