$2.22 BILLION FOR WATER GRID

More than $2.22 billion – or an average of $42 million a week – is earmarked in the State Budget for the South East Queensland Water Grid.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas said the allocation compared to $3.8 billion in the 2007-08 financial year.

“The finish line is now in sight for major projects on the $9 billion Water Grid, with close to 70 per cent of the 450 kilometres of pipe now in the ground,” said Mr Lucas.

“Not only will the Water Grid help us through our worst drought on record, it will put South East Queensland on the front foot to deal with population growth and climate change into the future.”

Mr Lucas said $795 million had been allocated this financial year for the completion of the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project.

“Later this month the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project is scheduled to pump its first water to Tarong Energy,” said Mr Lucas.

“This will mark another significant milestone for the biggest scheme of this type in the Southern Hemisphere, which remains on track for completion by the end of the year.”

Mr Lucas said other projects on track for completion this year include the $1.2 billion Gold Coast Desalination Project at Tugun.

“Some $448 million is projected to be spent on this project in 2008-09,” said Mr Lucas.

“The desalination plant is on track to deliver its full 125 ML a day by January 2009 as scheduled.

“It will be linked into the Water Grid by the $901 million, 100 kilometre Southern Regional Water Pipeline which has a budget allocation of $217.35 million.”

Other project spending includes:

• $219.7 million for the Northern Pipeline Interconnectors.
• $16.69 million for the Easter Pipeline Interconnector.
• More than $531 million for the proposed Traveston Crossing and Wyaralong Dams, subject to approvals.

Media enquiries: Robert Hoge 0419 757 868    Matthew Klar 0437 435 223