Today, Townsville Enterprise submitted the final Big Rocks Weir Business Case to the Federal and State Government. There are some strong recommendations within this Business Case which are backed by engineering and supported by economics.
This is a project which will provide a guaranteed water supply for the Charters Towers region and could unlock at least 3,000 ha of new irrigated agriculture.
As we begin our recovery from COVID-19, there has never been a more critical time for Government to provide water security to the farmers and community of North Queensland, as well as an economic development opportunity that will drive jobs and investment.
Developing Northern Australia has long been discussed as a key priority for all levels of Government and this business case demonstrates that Big Rocks Weir will provide a good return for the Governments' investment and will enable commencement of a project that has been on the table for nearly 50 years.
The project will cost approximately $60M to build, with $30M already committed from the Federal Government. $30M of matched funding is required from the State Government. It is also important to acknowledge that this Business Case has been fully funded by the Federal Government through the North Queensland Water Infrastructure Authority.
The Business Case will now be reviewed by State and Federal Government and we look forward to a timely response.
Regional Benefits of Big Rocks Weir
Click to watch the video above and learn more about this critical project for North Queensland.
Published Friday 21 August 2020
