Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has slammed the State Labor Government following a dam-ing report on Queensland’s dam safety.
The Auditor-General report has exposed major flaws with the Palaszczuk Government’s management of dams in the areas of compliance, risk identification and upgrades.
Mr Bennett said it could not be clearer; the State Labor Government has no idea what they are doing when it comes to water security and dam safety.
“But don’t take my word for it, you only have to read the first few lines of the report to understand just how bad the situation has become,” he said.
“For years I have been calling out this government on their complete and utter incompetence to protect our farmers, our towns and our environment when it comes to dams and water security.
“These failings need to be addressed now before it’s too late.”
Queensland’s Auditor-General has stated:
We concluded that the department is not effectively managing the information it collects or targeting risks to non-compliance….. There are gaps in the way it collects and manages the information it needs, how it targets risks, and how it acts on non-compliance….. The department needs to improve its regulatory approach to compliance, monitor dam owner planning and progress in achieving necessary upgrades, and better address non-compliance by owners…… These gaps in information gathering, systems, monitoring and enforcement practices limit the department’s effectiveness as a regulator.
“Questions need to be answered,” said Mr Bennett.
“This report comes as our local farmers desperately await the release of a detailed business case into the future of Paradise Dam.
“Let’s not forget about the multitude of excuses still used by the State Government around safety to justify their ridiculous decision to knock down the dam wall.
“How can they continue to make these claims when we have an independent auditor’s confirmation that the Labor Government has no idea on the facts or evidence around dam safety.
“The Palaszczuk Government is destroying our region’s economy and water security.
“They have lied, mislead, and deceived our community from the very beginning.
“It’s time for the Premier and her Minister to stop making excuses and give us some real answers.”
ENDS.
09/12/21