Despite the long-term concerns of the Stanthorpe community surrounding the future of the town’s urban and irrigation water supply, only about 100 people attended the community forum at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre on Tuesday night.
The meeting was an opportunity for the Southern Downs Regional Council to update the community on the available options and the recent path the council has chosen.
It is yet another step in a process that has been on the table for more than 20 years and, at this time, seems no closer to fruition.
Councillor Vic Pennisi presented a power-point presentation, outlining the history, options and challenges of the project.
Details of the options the council has investigated were presented to the public.
These include Petries Crossing Weir, a pipeline from Connolly Dam and Emu Swamp.
Addressing the crowd, Cr Pennisi reiterated that, with a projected capital cost of $77,555,000 in 2009, any dam project cannot proceed without approval and funding from both the State and Federal Governments.
Both governments have indicated concerns in relation to a previous submission and will withhold their approval and funding until environmental and economic issues are resolved to their satisfaction.
As the council grapples with yet another inquiry into their preferred site at Emu Swamp, it will undertake a Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement for lodgment with the State Government. Funding for this process will come from funds set aside from the former Stanthorpe Shire Council.
In response to a question from the floor regarding the construction of an additional wall below the existing Storm King Dam wall, Mayor Ron Bellingham explained that, while that may appear a feasible option and would provide a more secure urban water supply, it would not address the requirements of irrigators.
A long-term sustainable water supply for Granite Belt growers is paramount to the economic stability of the area.
While many see tourism as the flagship of the local district, it needs to be remembered that agriculture is still the backbone of the area’s economy, with the region regarded as one of Queensland’s high value cropping areas.
The preferred Emu Swamp site would provide both social and economic benefits to the Stanthorpe community but would come at a significant cost to ratepayers and irrigators.
It is estimated that, with no capital subsidy, the cost to Stanthorpe ratepayers could be an additional $1680 annually.
With a 40 per cent capital subsidy, this figure would likely be in the vicinity of $1172 per year.
For those that attended, the evening was informative. One fact remains, however, and that is that the future of the Stanthorpe water supply is no closer to being resolved.
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