Published Thursday, 30 August, 2007 at 01:47 PM
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
HAVE YOUR SAY ON GLADSTONE – FITZROY PIPELINE PROJECT
August 30, 2007
The Beattie Government has taken another step in fulfilling its commitment to drought-proof regional Queensland by giving the public the chance to have their say on the environmental, economic and social impact of the proposed $345 million Gladstone - Fitzroy Pipeline Project.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh today announced the Coordinator-General, Ken Smith, had released the draft terms of reference for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process into the proposed pipeline.
The Gladstone Area Water Board plans to build a 110km water pipeline to transfer 30,000 million litres (30 gigalitres) of water a year from the lower Fitzroy River to the Gladstone State Development Area.
“This project is of regional, state and national economic significance because it will allow the Gladstone region to continue to attract major industries and to enjoy the confidence of having secure water supply,’’ Ms Bligh said.
The pipeline, should it proceed, is likely to be the first project to run within the proposed Stanwell – Gladstone Infrastructure Corridor, which will also aid existing and future industries and businesses in the region by providing an underground route for gas and slurry pipelines, and telecommunications cables.
The water pipeline is likely to use the corridor for most of its length and then connect with existing Gladstone water infrastructure within the Gladstone State Development Area.
“Other infrastructure associated with the project include the intake point in the Fitzroy River, a water treatment plant, three pump stations along the pipeline and storages,” Ms Bligh said.
GAWB estimates the project will cost approximately $345 million and that about 300 jobs will be created during its construction and 10 jobs during operation.
GAWB currently relies on the Awoonga Dam as its sole source of water.
With the expanding industrial area and the continuing drought conditions, there is a growing need to provide a reliable supply of water for growth of current consumers and future demands.
The Coordinator-General declared the proposed Gladstone - Fitzroy Pipeline Project, to be a significant project under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 in July 2007.
“A period of public consultation on the draft terms of reference will continue for 4 weeks to enable the public to have their say on matters to be addressed in the EIS,” Ms Bligh said.
“We want to make a considered decision, one that takes in community, environmental and social impacts.”
Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900
The Beattie Government has taken another step in fulfilling its commitment to drought-proof regional Queensland by giving the public the chance to have their say on the environmental, economic and social impact of the proposed $345 million Gladstone - Fitzroy Pipeline Project.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh today announced the Coordinator-General, Ken Smith, had released the draft terms of reference for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process into the proposed pipeline.
The Gladstone Area Water Board plans to build a 110km water pipeline to transfer 30,000 million litres (30 gigalitres) of water a year from the lower Fitzroy River to the Gladstone State Development Area.
“This project is of regional, state and national economic significance because it will allow the Gladstone region to continue to attract major industries and to enjoy the confidence of having secure water supply,’’ Ms Bligh said.
The pipeline, should it proceed, is likely to be the first project to run within the proposed Stanwell – Gladstone Infrastructure Corridor, which will also aid existing and future industries and businesses in the region by providing an underground route for gas and slurry pipelines, and telecommunications cables.
The water pipeline is likely to use the corridor for most of its length and then connect with existing Gladstone water infrastructure within the Gladstone State Development Area.
“Other infrastructure associated with the project include the intake point in the Fitzroy River, a water treatment plant, three pump stations along the pipeline and storages,” Ms Bligh said.
GAWB estimates the project will cost approximately $345 million and that about 300 jobs will be created during its construction and 10 jobs during operation.
GAWB currently relies on the Awoonga Dam as its sole source of water.
With the expanding industrial area and the continuing drought conditions, there is a growing need to provide a reliable supply of water for growth of current consumers and future demands.
The Coordinator-General declared the proposed Gladstone - Fitzroy Pipeline Project, to be a significant project under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971 in July 2007.
“A period of public consultation on the draft terms of reference will continue for 4 weeks to enable the public to have their say on matters to be addressed in the EIS,” Ms Bligh said.
“We want to make a considered decision, one that takes in community, environmental and social impacts.”
Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900