The Mount Isa branch of the ALP says it is delighted the state government has provided funding for a solar system to pump water from Lake Julius to Mount Isa as announced in Tuesday’s budget.
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The government provided $1m in 2017-18 out of a $13m total to develop solar power supply for the Lake Julius system to address increases in electrical costs and secure cost effective water supply, especially helping Lake Moondarra during drought periods.
ALP branch president Nick Maric said they had discussions with the Minister and his senior staff to promote the project.
“We presented an argument and this decision means that the local branch of the A.L.P. are relevant in this community,” Mr Maric said.
“As a result of this decision we would expect a reduction in the price of water for all consumers.”
Mount Isa Water Board undertook a pre-feasibility study in June last year which established the project was expected to be viable and would generate a net cost saving for customers.
MIWB chair Steve de Kruijff said the new money would help fund a full feasibility study. “If that comes up trumps, we’d look at a construction phase,” he said.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
