THE Coalition has promised to spend $1.76 million on examining a dam site in the Cloncurry and Mount Isa area.
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This announcement means that the proposal by development group Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Zone (MITEZ) has been accepted by the current government.
The funding to investigate additional water storage for Mount Isa and Cloncurry was outlined in the Coalition’s Policy to Invest in Queensland’s Water Infrastructure.
It’s one of 14 projects recognised in the policy that will share in $20 million that is to be spent on supporting development or finalisation of feasibility assessments of proposed water infrastructure.
Another $130 million is to be spent on the Rookwood Weir which will supply water to Rockhampton and the Gladstone region.
MITEZ chief executive Glen Graham said the development group was “delighted” their proposal submitted early this year was accepted by the current government.
“It would be even more fantastic if we can get reciprocal commitment from the ALP which will guarantee the funding,” Mr Graham said.
“We are very pleased the current government fully supports the potential to develop the North West into a substantial agricultural production area.”
LNP’s candidate for Kennedy, Jonathan Pavetto, said the announcement to examine the feasibility of the dam was “exceptional” and an “incredible good outcome for the north west.”
He said it will likely be on the Cloncurry River’s Cave Hill site, 20 kilometres upstream of the town. He said it was the most feasible of the dam site options in the area.
Additional water meant development for further mines, agriculture and increased cattle production for the region.
This meant more jobs, Mr Pavetto said.
“The North West has been missing out for a long time, left out and left behind and that’s pretty clear,” he said.
“We need someone in the government because without someone in the government, we will continue to be left out and left behind.”