Published Wednesday, 27 November, 2013 at 09:34 AM
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines
The Honourable Andrew Cripps
Water supply certainty for North Straddie
The Newman Government has ruled out sourcing drinking water from North Stradbroke Island for use in South East Queensland, a proposal which has been on the table since 2007.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said drought conditions prompted the decision in 2007 to add the Southern Moreton Bay Islands to the Logan Basin water resources plan.
“A new bore-field on North Stradbroke Island would have provided 22 megalitres of groundwater for south east Queensland,” Mr Cripps said.
“That has remained a possibility long after the end of the drought, creating uncertainty for communities on the Island.
“The Newman Government is listening to locals and they have expressed strong views that this proposal not proceed.
“Labor could have put an end to this proposal and chose not to.
“In contrast, we are providing certainty now and into the future by confirming the plan is off the agenda.”
Mr Cripps said the SEQ Water grid had also provided additional access to water supplies, helping to secure the future of drinking water for the region.
“Existing water management arrangements are now more than adequate to provide for sustainable management of drinking water in the south east,” he said.
Member for Cleveland Mark Robinson welcomed the news that no further allocation of water from North Stradbroke Island was being investigated
“Straddie has long supported the Redlands community and South East Queensland with water in a sustainable way and this will continue under normal water management regimes,” Mr Robinson said.
“Radical claims by green political groups that the Straddie aquifer is drying up have shown to be false and misleading.”
More information about the decision is available by phoning 1800 308 252, emailing wrplogan@dnrm.qld.gov.au.
[ENDS] 27 November 2013
Media contact: Eleisha Rogers 0413 375 088
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Andrew Cripps said drought conditions prompted the decision in 2007 to add the Southern Moreton Bay Islands to the Logan Basin water resources plan.
“A new bore-field on North Stradbroke Island would have provided 22 megalitres of groundwater for south east Queensland,” Mr Cripps said.
“That has remained a possibility long after the end of the drought, creating uncertainty for communities on the Island.
“The Newman Government is listening to locals and they have expressed strong views that this proposal not proceed.
“Labor could have put an end to this proposal and chose not to.
“In contrast, we are providing certainty now and into the future by confirming the plan is off the agenda.”
Mr Cripps said the SEQ Water grid had also provided additional access to water supplies, helping to secure the future of drinking water for the region.
“Existing water management arrangements are now more than adequate to provide for sustainable management of drinking water in the south east,” he said.
Member for Cleveland Mark Robinson welcomed the news that no further allocation of water from North Stradbroke Island was being investigated
“Straddie has long supported the Redlands community and South East Queensland with water in a sustainable way and this will continue under normal water management regimes,” Mr Robinson said.
“Radical claims by green political groups that the Straddie aquifer is drying up have shown to be false and misleading.”
More information about the decision is available by phoning 1800 308 252, emailing wrplogan@dnrm.qld.gov.au.
[ENDS] 27 November 2013
Media contact: Eleisha Rogers 0413 375 088