Queensland digs deep for dams, data, reef and remediation

Regional Queenslanders, explorers and the Great Barrier Reef are in line to benefit from the 2018-19 Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy budget.

Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said a total of $663 million

will be invested into Queensland’s economy with a focus on renewable and non-renewable natural resources, delivering safe, secure, affordable and sustainable energy and water.

“This investment will provide long term benefits for Queensland,” Dr Lynham said.

“Regional water projects will boost local economies by providing better access to water for irrigators and local communities.

“Regional Queenslanders also will continue to benefit from another strong investment in soil health, land management and reef protection.”

“And our investment in disclaimed mine management and remediation is money well spent as it potentially saves Queenslanders billions of dollars down the track.

“For Queensland’s resource industry, a $9.8 million geo-data blitz will bring together exploration geophysical, geochemical and geological datasets.”

“Queensland is outperforming the national average of exploration expenditure and this measure will help us to maintain this position, boosting exports and jobs,” Dr Lynham said.

Water winners in the 2018-19 budget include:

•  $66 million for Rookwood Weir – critical infrastructure for the people of Central Queensland.
•  $5 million for the Glen Niven Dam to bring it in line with modern safety standards, ensure the long-term security, sustainability and safety of the site.
• $4.2 million over four years to retain and expand the Queensland Water Regional Alliance Program.

In the south east corner, Seqwater has budgeted a record $147.2 million in capital expenditure for the next financial year and will continue to develop SEQ’s 30-year water supply plan.

“The capital program focuses on continuing to provide a safe, secure and reliable water supply for SEQ, including major dam improvement upgrades, as well as providing essential flood mitigation services and managing catchment health,” Dr Lynham said.

Headline land management projects include:

• $61.7 million over the next four years to help improve the quality of the state’s land, vegetation, water and reef. Of this, $19.4 million will be for improved water quality to reduce sediments, nutrients and pesticides flowing onto the Great Barrier Reef.
• Up to $4.2 million in fee and land rental relief as part of the Drought Assistance Package to support drought affected communities across the State and
• $800,000 in funding to maintain the stock route network.

Key mine remediation and management investments include:

• $13.9 million to continue to deliver reforms to the regulatory framework for addressing mine dust lung disease in Queensland.
• $17.6 million to continue managing and remediating the state’s disclaimed mine sites and research into new techniques.

Media inquiries: David Potter           0428 411 617