By Jeremy Cook
Approximately $5 million in federal government funding has been pulled from the Emu Swamp Dam project after a review found it and 50 other infrastructure projects across Australia “undeliverable”.
Following an independent review into the federal Infrastructure Investment Program, Infrastructure Minister Catherine King announced funding would not be provided for some projects at this time.
“This includes projects that were not realistically going to be delivered with the funding available, have made little to no progress over a significant amount of time, and projects that do not align with Commonwealth or state and territory priorities,” Ms King said.
Cuts included funding for supporting infrastructure such as roads for the proposed 12,000ML water storage facility on the Severn River, known as the Emu Swamp Dam project.
The funding cuts have brought the future of the project into doubt with Maranoa MP and Nationals leader David Littleproud declaring the project “effectively dead”.
The Queensland government’s draft Regional Water Assessment (RWA) for the Southern and Darling Downs, released on 16 November, listed the project as one of several current proposals to improve water security in the Southern Downs.
However, the draft RWA clarified its recommended approach had “not been considered by the Queensland Government or Australian Government at this time”.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said the project was still very much on the table.
“The last time I went to the RWA process … the last meeting we had, it was still there,” he said.
Cr Pennisi said funding cuts did not concern him and reaffirmed his support for the project.
“Funding moves, funding changes,” he said.
“I’m not overly concerned about it.
“I’ve been a long term advocate for Emu Swamp Dam. I’m not hiding from that.
“I personally still believe in the mission that we have.”
Mr Littleproud was less optimistic about the project’s future.
“This critical water infrastructure project is effectively dead because this government has signalled that it will not invest in it long-term by ripping out the $5 million for the roads required to build the dam,” he said.
“Unfortunately, this decision not only means that these growers won’t have water security, but it also means we will all pay more at the checkout because this region is one of our country’s biggest food bowls.”
