Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has questioned the Minister for Water about the silt build up in the Cressbrook Creek weir on Skopps Lane near Toogoolawah.
Deb said she had recently met with members of the Cressbrook Creek Irrigator’s Association who shared concerns about the management and safety of the weir.
“Irrigators who are part of the Cressbrook Creek Water Supply Scheme approached me with valid concerns about the weir at Skopps Lane, in particular the impact of the silt build-up in the weir and its impact on the criteria for releases from Cressbrook Dam,” Deb said.
“I took the opportunity to inspect the weir with local irrigators and it is obvious the weir has a large amount of silt build up which is affecting the weir’s operation and safety of the weir wall.
“On their behalf, I have asked a Question on Notice* to the Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, seeking clarification about whether the Department of Water has any plans to desilt the weir.
“The irrigators have also raised the issue of water meter re-validation as the Department has ordered them to revalidate their meters by November 2023.
“This will come at a cost of thousands of dollars for primary producers and places an unnecessary burden on their already stretched businesses. I agree with them that there needs to be an extension to the arbitrary deadline and a complete rethink of the regulation,” Deb said.
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, with members of the Cressbrook Creek Irrigators Association inspecting the Cressbrook Creek weir at Skopps Lane
* Question on Notice 882
ASKED Tuesday, 22 August 2023, Answer Due: Thursday, 21 September 2023
MRS D FRECKLINGTON ASKED MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING AND MINISTER FOR WATER (HON G BUTCHER)
With reference to the weir located on Cressbrook Creek at Skopps Lane— Will the Minister provide (a) the level of silt/sand build up in the weir, (b) the impact of this silt/sand build up on the Cressbrook Creek Water Supply Scheme Operations Manual and criteria for releases from Cressbrook Dam, (c) the safety of the weir’s operation due to the silt/sand build up, in particular the weir wall, (d) how often the weir is inspected, (e) how the weir is monitored and (f) whether the department has any plans to desilt the weir?
