The Federal Government has promised to invest up to $10 million to kick-start the Urannah Dam in Queensland.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said the funding from a re-elected Coalition Government would ensure the dam was shovel-ready.
“We know that unlocking the potential of our regional communities goes hand-in-hand with water security,” Mr McCormack said.
“That’s why we are investing up to $10 million to further progress the Urannah Dam project to ensure it stacks up.
“Every day this Government is getting on with the job of building water infrastructure for the 21st century that will deliver better water security for rural communities, create jobs, underpin new and expanded agriculture and support regional economic growth and prosperity across Australia.”
Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, said, “This investment builds on our $176.1 million investment to build Rookwood Weir and deliver the jobs our region deserves.”
Federal Member for Dawson, George Christensen, said the Urannah Dam project has been on the cards for years and this investment was a major step in progressing the project.
“The Urannah Dam project will be a game changer for the region and progressing this project at the back of the Clarke Range will unlock the potential of 20,000 hectares of agricultural land adjacent to Collinsville and Bowen and could create up to 1000 jobs,” Mr Christensen said.
“It would also provide water security for mining projects and potential power generation at Collinsville.”
The investment for this project would be delivered through the feasibility component of the National Water Infrastructure Fund.
The Federal Government plans to invest more than $3 billion to identify and build new water infrastructure across Australia.