The future of the Wide Bay region hangs in the balance with a decision on Paradise Dam still looming.
Shadow Minister for Water and the Construction of Dams Deb Frecklington said the Premier and her Minister should be ashamed.
“Since September 2019, local growers have been experiencing a real-life nightmare; the draining of Paradise Dam to just 42 per cent,” Ms Frecklington said.
“This happened without consultation, with no warning and in the middle of a drought.
“For more than two years produces have remained in limbo, with some even forced to rip-out trees due to the severe reduction in their water allocation.
“This community cannot afford to live like this any longer.
“The State Government’s mishandling of Paradise Dam has put the reliability of one of the nation’s biggest food bowls at risk.
“Today I’m calling on the Premier to make a decision; release the Future Options paper.”
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said every drop of water that runs over the wall and into the ocean was a slap in the face for our farmers.
“Today we’re here at the Ben Anderson Barrage where hundreds of megalitres of water is draining out of the dam,” Mr Bennett said.
“For the last two years our region has barely seen a drop of rain.
“To see more than 50 percent of the dam’s potential water wasted is heartbreaking for our growers.
“We’ve had no information, no certainty and no answers since the beginning of this dam debacle.
“The Palaszczuk Government is destroying our region’s economy and water security.
“It’s time for the Premier and her Minister to stop making excuses and release the report today.”
ENDS.
13/12/21