- Crisafulli Government delivers major election commitment to support long-term water security and agricultural growth for Burnett region.
- Queensland's Coordinator-General assisting Sunwater to carry out site investigations for Barlil and Cooranga weirs following regulatory amendment.
- Crisafulli Government has committed $29.7 million for planning and development of Burnett weir projects.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment to shore up water security in the Burnett region by fast-tracking planning and development for the proposed Barlil and Cooranga Weirs.
A regulatory amendment to the State Development and Public Works Organisation Regulation 2020 will give the Coordinator-General powers to fast-track both projects under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971.
The announcement comes off the back of the Crisafulli Government's $29.7 million investment to plan and design the Barlil and Cooranga weirs as part of its Watertight Water Security Plan.
A major Crisafulli Government election commitment, the new weirs will deliver water for irrigators in the Burnett region to help boost agricultural productivity and deliver a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
Barlil Weir will hold 1,500 megalitres on Barambah Creek near Murgon, and Cooranga Weir will store 2,500 megalitres on the Boyne River downstream of Boondooma Dam.
The regulation will assist Sunwater with site investigations for the proposed Barlil and Cooranga weirs by allowing the Coordinator-General to facilitate access to land and support the ongoing investigations of these projects.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the Crisafulli government was delivering on its election commitment to build the water infrastructure needed for a growing Queensland.
"After a decade of Labor neglect and broken promises, the Crisafulli Government is cleaning up the mess by fast-tracking critical water infrastructure to boost regional economies," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"We're securing Queensland's future with new water storage and smarter water management, delivering what Labor failed to do during their decade of decline.
"This decision fast tracks site investigations for the Barlil and Cooranga weirs – supporting Sunwater to meet project delivery timeframes and boosting water security for the Burnett region.
"While Labor's anti-region agenda disregarded water security highlighted by the Paradise Dam debacle, the LNP knows that investing in new water infrastructure creates prosperity, investment and long-term secure jobs."
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates, said the investment would give local communities the certainty Labor never could.
"Water supply supports stronger communities, and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy. Labor failed to deliver this certainty," said Minister Bates.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the regulatory amendment was an important step forward in delivering water infrastructure for the Burnett region to meet the growing needs of local producers.
"The Crisafulli Government is boosting the state's water storage capacity to back our farmers and safeguard Queensland against drought and floods," Minister Leahy said.
"The Barlil and Cooranga weirs will improve the reliability of water supply in the South Burnett and North Burnett regions, supporting water security, agriculture and jobs."
Member for Callide Bryson Head said the Cooranga Weir would bring lasting benefits to the region.
"Water security is the foundation of regional prosperity, and Cooranga Weir will help deliver that certainty for farmers and businesses across Callide," Mr Head said.
Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said Sunwater was working with a wide range of stakeholders, including landholders, to undertake site investigations for the proposed weirs over the next 12 months.
"Investigation works will include identification of potential locations for the infrastructure, land valuations, aerial and ground surveys, geotechnical investigations, and hydrological, ecological and cultural heritage studies," Mr Coggan said.
