LNP announces plan to deliver dams and jobs

Liberal National Party Leader Deb Frecklington has today outlined a plan to build water infrastructure across North and Central Queensland – delivering jobs and water security for the state’s neglected regions.

"Labor hasn’t built a single dam in the regions for 13 years, even though demand for water is growing," Ms Frecklington said.

"The next election is more than two years away, but this issue is so important that I’m committing a future LNP Government to three major dam projects now.

"Dams mean more jobs, greater job security and reliable water supplies for decades to come.

"Regional Queenslanders understand the value of water and so does the LNP, but Annastacia Palaszczuk has no idea.

"But she does understand that inner-city Greens keep Labor in power, so the Greens get what they want under Labor and the regions don’t get a look-in."

The LNP’s water plan includes the proposed Rookwood Weir, Nullinga and Urannah dams, as well as the proposed raising of the existing Burdekin Falls Dam (more details below).

Shadow Infrastructure Minister Andrew Powell said the LNP wanted Queensland to address water security concerns now rather than wait for a future crisis.

"The LNP’s plan is an investment in water security and job creation," Mr Powell said.

"Labor has missed out on $580 million available through the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund to fund dams – with the program now fully committed.

"It’s incredible that Labor has missed this opportunity and it shows how little Annastacia Palaszczuk cares about the future of regional Queensland.

"The good news is that there is still $2 billion in concessional loans on the table from Canberra."

Shadow Minister for North Queensland Dale Last said regional communities wanted the projects.

"The only people who don’t support these projects are Labor," Mr Last said.

"Annastacia Palaszczuk is selling out North Queensland because she needs Green votes in Brisbane – that shows how little the regions matter to her.

"A Deb Frecklington LNP Government would invest in dams as a priority and deliver a better future for regional Queenslanders."

• The Nullinga Dam in the Atherton Tablelands has been proposed to ensure residential supplies in Cairns and to stimulate irrigated agriculture in the region. An LNP Government would contribute $10 million to the project and develop an Environmental Impact Statement to get the project shovel-ready.
• The proposed Rookwood Weir west of Rockhampton would create an extra $1 billion a year in agricultural production and 2,100 new jobs. An LNP Government would contribute $176 million towards the project, to match the Federal Government’s commitment.
• The Urannah Dam north-west of Mackay would provide water for agriculture and industry. An LNP Government would contribute $10 million to the development of an Environmental Impact Statement to get the project shovel-ready.
• Raising the Burdekin Falls Dam would increase its storage capacity by 590,000 ML, securing the Townsville region’s water needs. An LNP Government would complete design work and contribute $10 million towards an Environmental Impact Statement to get the project shovel-ready.