Six new contracts have been awarded as works progress to improve and raise Burdekin Falls Dam.
The Burdekin Falls Dam Raising Project, managed by Sunwater, proposes to raise the existing dam by two metres to increase water supply and support future water demand in the Burdekin and surrounding regions.
The project received a commitment of a further $440 million downpayment, on top of the $100 million already committed, from the Queensland Government’s 2023-24 Budget.
The contracts will support 80 jobs, with 50 of these in the local region, and are worth a combined $1.7 million.
These involve geotechnical investigations, quarry material sourcing, cultural heritage and native title work and the establishment of a 17-person temporary camp.
Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher said the Government’s funding commitment is being put to good use, ensuring important planning and investigation activities can get underway.
“Raising Burdekin Falls Dam by two metres will significantly boost the amount of water available for future demand, whether that comes from industry, agriculture or urban water supply,” he said.
Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton said the works are key to supporting important survey, approval and planning work for Burdekin Falls Dam.
“This work will ensure we can make vital project decisions, including where to source clay, rock and other aggregate materials and will support ongoing engagement with Traditional Owners to ensure Aboriginal cultural heritage is appropriately identified, protected and managed during project activities,” he said.
“Planning is progressing well for the improvement and raising projects and we expect to submit a draft of the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) to the Queensland Coordinator-General this year.”
Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP isn’t holding his breath, saying he will treat the Government’s announcement with “a grain of salt” until he sees construction underway.
“As far back as 2016 we were told that a business case was the next step,” he said.
“Seven years later this announcement is centred on planning and investigations so, in reality, we have seen very little in terms of progress.
“Time and time again we have been told the Burdekin Falls Dam was being raised but, almost 30 years after it was built, nothing has changed.”
Burdekin Falls Dam. Photo supplied: Sunwater
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
