Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has taken a swipe at the Queensland government while announcing $483m in this month’s federal budget will be put towards building a massive dam in the state’s north.
Mr Joyce will formally reveal the huge cash injection to cover 50 per cent of construction costs for Urannah Dam near Mackay during a speech to the Rural Press Club in Brisbane on Thursday.
The idea for building the dam – which is one and half times the size of Sydney Harbour – at Urannah Creek has been talked about for decades.
Bowen River Utilities is the company behind the project and had asked for $483m in federal cash through the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund.
However, it didn’t ask for the other half of funding from the state government, with plans to instead source it from the private market.
In a clear swipe, Mr Joyce’s announcement notes that while the Queensland government “claimed” to support the project, it had so far “failed to commit to any funding”.
“Our government understands that building and growing our nation requires industries that produce wealth, such as the mining, agriculture and farming sectors,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“It is these industries that earn the export dollars that will help make our country as strong as possible as quickly as possible.
“That’s why have put $483 million in the bank to build Urannah Dam.
“Our investment will further drive the development of Central Queensland, ensuring businesses and industries have the water security they need to grow into the future.”
Last month the federal and Queensland governments signed a bilateral agreement to progress the Urannah Dam project in what was at the time described as “a significant step forward in delivering water security for the Broken River Valley”.
Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Water Glenn Butcher noted the state government had made an application for funding on behalf of the Bowen River Utilities in June 2021.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said she fought hard to secure the 50 per cent funding commitment from the Coalition government.
“I have fought hard for federal funding for Urannah Dam since 2013 and I’m overjoyed that 50 per cent of the construction costs will be funded by the Coalition Government,” Ms Landry said.
“The Coalition government knows just how vital water projects like Urannah Dam are for local industries, their workers and the communities that rely on them.”
It is estimated the project would create 1000 jobs during construction and support 650 ongoing positions.
Concerns have previously been raised that the Urannah Dam would destroy the natural habitat of a turtle species which was discovered by the late Steve Irwin.
