Towers Council & State Govt team up for Big Rocks

Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy The Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham

Charters Towers Regional Council is to start work on Big Rocks Weir with $3 million in State funds for pre-construction activities.

Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham and Council, including Mayor Frank Beveridge, sealed the deal in discussions in Townsville this week.

Dr Lynham said water security was critical to jobs, growth and North Queensland’s economic recovery.

“Queensland has a plan for economic recovery and traditional strengths like agriculture underpin that plan,” he said.

“The Palaszczuk Government has committed to build Big Rocks Weir to support local agriculture, create jobs and improve water security for Charters Towers.

“The Government will provide Council with $3 million to conduct environmental and other regulatory approvals, geotechnical assessments, detailed weir design, and water product and pricing definition.”

Charters Towers Mayor Frank Beveridge said Council would work closely with the State, through water service provider Sunwater, to fast track pre-construction activities.

Council is committed to the continued development of this region-changing project,” he said.

“We look forward to working with the State Government to bring this project to fruition. “

The Government has committed another $27 million for the construction of the 10,000 megalitre weir about 26 kilometres north-west of Charters Towers on the Burdekin River.

Construction of the weir is expected to support more than 170 jobs at peak.

This is part of the $1.2 billion the Government has committed to water infrastructure statewide wince 2017, supporting almost 2300 jobs in regional Queensland.

Dr Lynham said he noted that Charters Towers Regional Council had made a council resolution to be the proponent to construct, own and operate the weir into the future.

“The Palaszczuk Government wants to support Council to undertake these necessary activities so construction can start as soon as possible,” he said.

/Public Release. View in full here.