Community safety is the Palaszczuk Government's priority.
I have been assured by Sunwater that the Burdekin Dam complies with all current state and federal requirements for dam safety.
The relevant standards are set by the state in conjunction with the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD).
I am advised by Sunwater that the risk assessment was updated this year and was overseen by an independent expert panel.
I am further advised that this assessment found that the Burdekin Falls Dam currently complies with all current state and federal requirements for dam safety.
But as I have said repeatedly – dams are lifelong assets and they aren't 'set and forget'.
They require ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure they meet modern safety standards.
That is what the Sunwater and Seqwater Dam Improvement Programs are – ongoing assessment and maintenance to ensure our dams are up-to-date and up-to-scratch.
This Government has proven time and time again that it is serious about water security for the Townsville region.
A business case is underway into options for improvement works at Burdekin Falls Dam.
This Government has committed $14.53 million for the planning works already underway for these improvement works.
This business case by Building Queensland is expected to be completed in early 2021.
This Government has committed $215 million for the Haughton pipeline and another $16.5 million for the Burdekin Falls Dam raising feasibility studies.
In contrast, the LNP delivered nothing for the Burdekin Falls Dam upgradee.
