Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said local farmers are reaching breaking point following yet another delayed report from the State Labor Government.
The Building Queensland report on the future options for Paradise Dam was expected to be handed down at the end of 2020.
The Building Queensland Paradise Dam Options Assessment Summary Report, tabled in February last year, states: *
“Building Queensland has identified that further information would be required and suggested further works… The outcomes of this further work to be undertaken with Sunwater will allow Government to consider and decide upon the preferred long-term option(s) by the end of 2020.”
Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said no report, means no business case, and no action at Paradise Dam.
“This is simply not good enough,” he said.
“The Bundaberg and Burnett community can’t live like this, in a constant state of limbo.
“At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I again call on the State Labor Government to give us some answers, release this report and stop the delays.
“This waiting game has gone on long enough. Lives and livelihoods are at stake.
“Time and time again we were promised answers and solutions, but sadly we have come to expect only disappointment from the Palaszczuk Government when it comes to Paradise Dam.
“The results of the NCEconomicssurvey to assess the future water demand in the Bundaberg Scheme was also due in December, where are they? **
“Designs for options refinement were due, where are they?
“A submission to the Government of outcomes of further detailed analysis was also due at the end of last year, has that been made?
“It’s time for the Palaszczuk Government to face reality and stop trying to cover up the biggest infrastructure fail in our nation’s history.
“We’ve had next to no rain, the dam’s water level is reducing (now at just 21 percent based on its original height ***) and the wall is still coming down.
“We need solutions, and we need them now.”
* Building Queensland Paradise Dam Options Assessment Summary Report (Page 5 & 16): https://buildingqueensland.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Building-Queensland-Paradise-Dam-Options-Assessment.pdf
** Paradise Dam Future Water Demand Study: https://consultnce.engagementhub.com.au/paradise-dam-future-water-demand-study
*** See attached Marland Law Paradise Dam News
ENDS.
04/02/21