NEXT STEP IN TRAVESTON CROSSING DAM PROCESS
Published Thursday, 18 October, 2007 at 12:15 PM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
A 1600-page Environmental Impact Statement for the Traveston Crossing Dam project today has been released for public comment by the Coordinator-General.
Premier Anna Bligh said the EIS clearly states that the Traveston Crossing Dam is the most reliable and economically viable solution to deliver long-term water security for South East Queensland.
“On behalf of the 2.2million people in south-east Queensland, this Government has held its nerve in the face of a concerted and disgraceful campaign of misinformation by our opponents, particularly the National Party senators who purport to represent people across this state,” Ms Bligh told Parliament.
“Now, after almost a year of studies, research, modelling and consultation, this 1600-page EIS delivers a scientific investigation of the project. I encourage anybody with a genuine interest to read the EIS and come to an informed decision based on fact and fact alone.
“The EIS has clearly determined that Traveston Crossing is not only an appropriate site for a dam, it is by far the best site in south-east Queensland.
“Scientific assessment contained in the EIS shows the catchment is first-class and will provide a secure water supply.
“In fact, the latest modelling determined the dam would have filled four times since 2003 – the most recent resulting from heavy falls in August-September. And would it be full now? You bet it would!
“Importantly, the Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation, the firm lauded by Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce, rates the risk of leakage as “insignificant”.
Ms Bligh said the EIS was required to assess reasonable alternatives to the project, such as desalination, recycling and other dam sites.
“None could match Traveston Crossing for both price and reliability. In fact, economists from Monash University and Marsdon Jacobs confirm Traveston Crossing would cost between $318 million and $1 billion less than proposed alternatives,” she said.
“However, projects of this magnitude clearly have impacts that must be managed and this Government has never shirked in this regard.
“QWI engaged CSIRO to develop guiding principles to manage environmental, social and economic concerns.
“I have already detailed to the house the proposed establishment of a $35 million freshwater species conservation centre in response to environmental concerns about species such as the Queensland lungfish, the Mary River cod and the Mary River turtle.
“Other environmental initiatives include the establishment of native timber plantations to offset greenhouse gas emissions during construction and operation of the dam.
“Socially, measures will ensure the revitalisation of Mary Valley communities, most importantly the township of Kandanga, including assistance to create a new community and sporting hub.
“Economically, more than 400 local business have registered to supply goods and services during the construction of the dam, providing a much-needed shot in the arm to the region.
“In all, these documents outline 288 separate strategies to mitigate possible effects of the dam.”
The EIS will be available for public input for six weeks, before that feedback is included in further rigorous assessment by the Co-ordinator General, who may request a supplementary report. Only then will it be forwarded to the Federal Environment Minister for assessment and final approval.
18 October 2007
More information: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Premier Anna Bligh said the EIS clearly states that the Traveston Crossing Dam is the most reliable and economically viable solution to deliver long-term water security for South East Queensland.
“On behalf of the 2.2million people in south-east Queensland, this Government has held its nerve in the face of a concerted and disgraceful campaign of misinformation by our opponents, particularly the National Party senators who purport to represent people across this state,” Ms Bligh told Parliament.
“Now, after almost a year of studies, research, modelling and consultation, this 1600-page EIS delivers a scientific investigation of the project. I encourage anybody with a genuine interest to read the EIS and come to an informed decision based on fact and fact alone.
“The EIS has clearly determined that Traveston Crossing is not only an appropriate site for a dam, it is by far the best site in south-east Queensland.
“Scientific assessment contained in the EIS shows the catchment is first-class and will provide a secure water supply.
“In fact, the latest modelling determined the dam would have filled four times since 2003 – the most recent resulting from heavy falls in August-September. And would it be full now? You bet it would!
“Importantly, the Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation, the firm lauded by Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce, rates the risk of leakage as “insignificant”.
Ms Bligh said the EIS was required to assess reasonable alternatives to the project, such as desalination, recycling and other dam sites.
“None could match Traveston Crossing for both price and reliability. In fact, economists from Monash University and Marsdon Jacobs confirm Traveston Crossing would cost between $318 million and $1 billion less than proposed alternatives,” she said.
“However, projects of this magnitude clearly have impacts that must be managed and this Government has never shirked in this regard.
“QWI engaged CSIRO to develop guiding principles to manage environmental, social and economic concerns.
“I have already detailed to the house the proposed establishment of a $35 million freshwater species conservation centre in response to environmental concerns about species such as the Queensland lungfish, the Mary River cod and the Mary River turtle.
“Other environmental initiatives include the establishment of native timber plantations to offset greenhouse gas emissions during construction and operation of the dam.
“Socially, measures will ensure the revitalisation of Mary Valley communities, most importantly the township of Kandanga, including assistance to create a new community and sporting hub.
“Economically, more than 400 local business have registered to supply goods and services during the construction of the dam, providing a much-needed shot in the arm to the region.
“In all, these documents outline 288 separate strategies to mitigate possible effects of the dam.”
The EIS will be available for public input for six weeks, before that feedback is included in further rigorous assessment by the Co-ordinator General, who may request a supplementary report. Only then will it be forwarded to the Federal Environment Minister for assessment and final approval.
18 October 2007
More information: Premier’s Office 3224 4500