FOUNDATION CUSTOMERS GIVE STRONG BACKING TO WATER FOR BOWEN PROJECT, SAYS WALLACE

Planning work on the Water for Bowen Project is going full steam ahead after Foundation Customers voted to proceed with studies for Stage 2, Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace and Whitsunday MP Jan Jarratt aid today.

Mr Wallace said he was very pleased that Foundation Customers had shown such strong faith in the project.

Foundation Customers were required to vote on proceeding with the Stage 2 studies after estimates of the cost of transporting the water rose above $300 per megalitre.

The increase in likely water costs was due the statewide boom in infrastructure projects which has lead to a statewide rise in construction costs.

“It is important that water charges are affordable,” Mr Wallace said.

“However, we also need to keep an eye firmly on the great benefits of this region-building project.”

Jan Jarratt said: “There has been a strong show of support for the project and I congratulate the Foundation Customers on their commitment.”

SunWater’s Water for Bowen project will transport an estimated 65,000 megalitres a year of water from the Burdekin River south to Bowen along a 130 kilometre route.

It will provide a long-term solution to the problem of diminishing groundwater supplies in Bowen and open up opportunities for industrial development.

The extra water supply also will stabilise and enable expansion of existing horticultural and aquaculture production areas such as Inkerman, Gumlu, Guthalungra and Bowen. Urban development and tourism also will benefit.

SunWater has completed the Stage 1 project scoping study.

Stage 2 feasibility investigations include cultural heritage surveys, flora and fauna studies for the Environmental Impact Statement and meetings with landholders.

Stage 2 studies are proceeding following a majority vote by the project’s Foundation Customers last month.

Of the 50 Foundation Customers who voted, 92% voted in support of the studies continuing.

All Foundation Customers were sent a letter last week notifying them of the outcome.

According to SunWater Chief Operating Officer Mr Peter Boettcher, SunWater understands that despite this strong support to continue with the project, it is important that water transport charges are affordable.

“SunWater will continue to investigate all avenues to make the scheme attractive and affordable to all Foundation Customers,” Mr Boettcher said.

Anyone that has any questions or is interested in learning more about the project is encouraged to call the Water for Bowen hotline on 1800 054 397.

Although the State Government supports the continuation of the project, it was not involved in any part of the voting process.

SunWater and the Queensland Government have each contributed $1.5 million towards the Stage 2 study with a further $1.5 million coming from Foundation Customers.

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