Published Thursday, 28 August, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Government secures Cloncurry water
Up to $400,000 a month for water cartage and the appointment of a water expert are part of the State Government’s securing of Cloncurry’s water supply.
Premier Anna Bligh told State Parliament that the government will engage former Townville Council CEO and former Townsville-Thuringowa Water Authority boss Mr Brian Guthrie to work with the Cloncurry Council to complete and finalise required water investigations.
“Betty Kiernan (Member for Mt Isa), my Ministers and have been working side-by-side with the newly-elected Mayor of Cloncurry Shire Andrew Daniels and his Council to find solutions to Cloncurry’s current water situation.
“We are well aware of the seriousness of the situation and have stated on a number of occasions that we are not going to see this community without water,” she said.
Mrs Kiernan thanked the Premier and the government for their response.
The Premier said that while focusing on the immediate situation - as presented by the council and their belief that they have a further 60 days supply – the Government has approved funding towards water cartage under the Urban Drought Water Program at an expected cost of $400,000 a month.
“This is on top of allocations we have already made of three recent subsidies totaling $3.7 million for water infrastructure projects to address Cloncurry’s water supply issues. This includes $1,879,604 for Stage 2 of the Cloncurry water supply and treatment upgrade and Chinaman Creek Dam.
“My government will work with the council to ascertain the source of water and to assist in activating this action when required. The Government is very aware of the council’s financial situation and their limited capacity to get qualified personnel to assist.
The Premier said that the Government will engage former Townville Council CEO and former Townsville-Thuringowa Water Authority boss Mr Brian Guthrie to work with the council to complete and finalise required investigations.
“The Department of Natural Recourses and Water will work with the council to finalise their Demand Management Plan. The Government will require this plan be completed by October.
“In addressing Cloncurry’s long-term water needs Sunwater will prepare a business case for the proposed pipeline from Ernest Henry Mine to Cloncurry.
“Other studies will be completed in respect to proposals such as cleaning out the Chinaman Creek Dam, the river well system and river weir will also be undertaken.
“The Government is very aware of the work that has been undertaken to this point and we are confident that by working with the council and industry we can secure Cloncurry’s Water supply for years to come,” she said.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Premier Anna Bligh told State Parliament that the government will engage former Townville Council CEO and former Townsville-Thuringowa Water Authority boss Mr Brian Guthrie to work with the Cloncurry Council to complete and finalise required water investigations.
“Betty Kiernan (Member for Mt Isa), my Ministers and have been working side-by-side with the newly-elected Mayor of Cloncurry Shire Andrew Daniels and his Council to find solutions to Cloncurry’s current water situation.
“We are well aware of the seriousness of the situation and have stated on a number of occasions that we are not going to see this community without water,” she said.
Mrs Kiernan thanked the Premier and the government for their response.
The Premier said that while focusing on the immediate situation - as presented by the council and their belief that they have a further 60 days supply – the Government has approved funding towards water cartage under the Urban Drought Water Program at an expected cost of $400,000 a month.
“This is on top of allocations we have already made of three recent subsidies totaling $3.7 million for water infrastructure projects to address Cloncurry’s water supply issues. This includes $1,879,604 for Stage 2 of the Cloncurry water supply and treatment upgrade and Chinaman Creek Dam.
“My government will work with the council to ascertain the source of water and to assist in activating this action when required. The Government is very aware of the council’s financial situation and their limited capacity to get qualified personnel to assist.
The Premier said that the Government will engage former Townville Council CEO and former Townsville-Thuringowa Water Authority boss Mr Brian Guthrie to work with the council to complete and finalise required investigations.
“The Department of Natural Recourses and Water will work with the council to finalise their Demand Management Plan. The Government will require this plan be completed by October.
“In addressing Cloncurry’s long-term water needs Sunwater will prepare a business case for the proposed pipeline from Ernest Henry Mine to Cloncurry.
“Other studies will be completed in respect to proposals such as cleaning out the Chinaman Creek Dam, the river well system and river weir will also be undertaken.
“The Government is very aware of the work that has been undertaken to this point and we are confident that by working with the council and industry we can secure Cloncurry’s Water supply for years to come,” she said.
Media contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500