Palaszczuk Government backs next steps for Hells Gate
09 August 2019
The Palaszczuk Government will
give the green light for further assessment of the $5 billion
Hells
Gates Dam proposal.
Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham today announced that the
State would sign a bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth to progress
further assessment.
“I know our three local Members of Parliament in
Townsville and the
people of
North Queensland want to see this project progress,” he said.
“We’ve listened and we will work with the Commonwealth to continue the
investigation of the Hells Gates proposal.
“However the Palaszczuk Government’s bottom line remains that any major
investment like this needs to deliver value for money for
Queensland
taxpayers.
“And this includes conducting
geotechnical assessments to determine the
infrastructure and construction costs.
“The best way to establish that is for a detailed assessment that
establishes all the costs and benefits.”
Townsville Enterprise Limited conducted an initial assessment of the
Hells Gates Dam last year for the National Water Infrastructure
Development Fund. TEL will lead the new assessment.
“As with any project, the Palaszczuk Government will always ensure that
Queensland taxpayers are delivered value for money and the appropriate
planning, cost benefit and due diligence is undertaken,” Dr Lynham said.
BACKGROUND
The Hells Gates Dam proposal is to dam the Upper Burdekin north of
Charters Towers. Hells Gates is proposed to provide long term
water
security for Townsville and
supply water to a 50,000 hectare irrigated
agriculture scheme.
The proposal includes the Big Rocks Weir for long term water security
for Charters Towers Regional Council.
The total project proposal is estimated to cost $5.35 billion, and it
comprises:
-
a 2110 GL dam
-
pumped hydroelectric scheme of up to 1200 MW
-
20 MW solar farm and 15 MW run-of-river hydro facility at the toe of the dam
-
a pipeline from Hells Gates Dam to Ross River Dam.
--ENDS--
Source: Queensland Government - www.statements.qld.gov.au
Contact: Media inquiries: Jan Martin 0439 341 314
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