Premier corrects Maryborough MP’s Traveston inaccuracies

Premier Anna Bligh said claims made today in Parliament regarding whether work has been allowed to start on Traveston Crossing Dam without Federal Government approval were simply not true.

“No construction work on the Traveston Crossing Dam has commenced, nor will it until after all the appropriate approvals have been received,” she said.

“The Member for Maryborough’s claim is simply not true.

“I can only assume the Member for Maryborough is getting a little confused, with an existing sand and gravel operation adjacent to the Traveston Crossing Dam site.

“Queensland Water Infrastructure recently purchased this operation from, with the existing business agreeing to cease operations by the end of the year.

“I can also confirm Queensland Water Infrastructure is getting on with the job of conducting geotechnical investigations in the Traveston Crossing Dam site area.

“This includes diamond core and percussion drilling, electrical resistivity and acoustic testing. It’s all part of an ongoing program of investigations that began in 2006,” she said.

“There is nothing unusual about these works – land access was obtained from the lessees, advertisements were put in local newspapers, and key stakeholders were engaged, including the Federal Government.

“There is none of the “blasting” the Member for Maryborough referred to, no 20,000 cubic metres of dirt to be dug up and no residents have been asked to leave their homes to allow these investigations.

“There have been advices to people currently leasing QWI property, advising in terms of the lease, that vacant possession is required for the new Bruce Highway corridor, the new access road, and re- routing of the Mary Valley Highway

“The Member for Maryborough was quoting questions by Bob Brown in the Federal Senate.

“Senator Brown’s claims were also wildly inaccurate and misleading,” Ms Bligh said.

Premiers Contact: 32244500