Turnbull lets jobs flow with water projects

27 May 2016 8:37 AMMichael Hart

 

Turnbull lets jobs flow with water projects

Thursday, 26 May 2016

 

• $150M Federal Coalition funding for 14 water infrastructure projects in Queensland

• Funding includes $130 million for construction of Rookwood Weir Dam

• LNP calls on Palaszczuk Labor Government to fast-track projects or provide environmental approvals to boost Queensland agriculture sector

 

The LNP Opposition has welcomed the Turnbull Government’s investment in Queensland dams as a major boost to the state’s agriculture sector.

 

Shadow Water Supply Minister, Michael Hart, said the $150 million commitment towards the construction of the Rookwood Weir Dam, and the fast-tracking of feasibility studies for 14 other water projects across the state would drive investment in agriculture and help drought-proof Queensland. 

 

“Regional Queensland has been in desperate need of major job-creating infrastructure to boost confidence and grow the agriculture sector and today’s announcement will Get Queensland Moving,” Mr Hart said.

 

“While Labor is asleep at the wheel, the LNP has a real plan to create jobs, boost our economy and support farming in Queensland.”

 

Mr Hart said the fast-tracking of construction of Rookwood Weir Dam near Rockhampton would help ensure towns will never run out of water and the region’s farms could double production within five years, but Labor had stalled on its responsibilities to deliver the project.

 

“If the project goes ahead it has the capacity to create more than 2,000 full-time jobs in the farming sector and could boost agricultural production for the region by $1 billion,” he said.

 

“This is a significant investment in water infrastructure in Central Queensland that has the capacity to provide affordable water for agricultural growth in the region.

 

“I call on the Palaszczuk Labor Government to complete the business case for Rookwood Weir Dam and commit to funding the other 50 per cent of the construction costs.”

 

Key facts:

• This announcement is part of the Turnbull Government’s $2.5 billion commitment to build the water infrastructure of the future.

• The Rookwood Weir Dam project has the capacity to create more than 2000 full-time jobs.

 

Media contact: Kate Haddan 0437 334 769