EMU Swamp Dam moved a step closer with the Federal Government announcing $3,970,000 of funding will be directed towards the Southern Downs Regional Council undertaking more due diligence investigations and planning to support the construction.
The council had resolved to submit the funding application in January 2016.
Activities to be funded under the Federal Government grant will include:
* A comprehensive assessment of the Resource Operations Plan, with a focus on the water volumes and reliability.
* A full assessment of the economic benefits of the construction of the Emu Swamp Dam and the ongoing economic benefits derived from the potable and irrigation water to be supplied.
* A documented validation process to determine proof of irrigator’s volumes and willingness to pay for up front capital investment for allocations as well as ongoing usage costs.
* The preparation of cost estimates and sensitivity analysis reports, potentially by a quantity surveyor, in relation to the water distribution capital costs, in regard to both potable and irrigation water, including pipelines and pump stations.
* The preparation of cost estimates, reports and designs for the dam and spillway construction.
* The design of the turtle passage.
* The design of the fish elevator.
* Native title investigation.
* Offset identification and management plans.
* Habitat management plans.
* Transport infrastructure planning.
* Geotech, including test bores and drill sites.
* Processing of quarry materials approvals.
* Traffic management design and build.
* Water treatment upgrades planning.
* The development of governance and ownership models.
* The development of strategies to undertake land acquisition including legal advice and opinions.
* A comprehensive review of energy costs.
* Project management expenses.
Southern Downs Regional Council mayor Tracy Dobie has welcomed the announcement by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
“I am aware that the Deputy Prime Minister has always been a great supporter of this project and he has demonstrated his commitment to the further progression of Emu Swamp Dam with this funding over a two-year period,” she said.
“The council will need to carefully plan the internal processes to deal with the procurement of suitable consultants and contractors to manage the project, as well as consulting with the key stakeholders involved in all aspects of the project.
“It is great to see that a sustainable back-up potable water system for the supply of reticulated water to Stanthorpe may be developed while meeting the needs of irrigators, noting that the farmers and growers of the Southern Downs region make a significant contribution to the local and Queensland economy”, Cr Dobie said.
Cr Dobie acknowledged the major contribution that councillor Vic Pennisi has made in bringing this project to the next stage.
“Cr Pennisi has put his heart and soul into this project and it is reassuring to see it will be advance to the next stage,” she said.
Emu Swamp Dam has the potential to increase agricultural production in the Granite Belt and surrounds, supplying water to land that may have been considered underutilised in the past.
Over the next few months, council officers will develop a project management plan and determine the resources required to deliver this next stage of Emu Swamp Dam.
The council will now await the finalisation of the delivery of the funding between the Federal Government and the Queensland State Government.
