A boost in the local water supply in the Charters Towers region is a step closer to becoming a reality following the declaration of the $60 million Big Rocks Weir project as a coordinated project.
Queensland's Coordinator-General has declared the multi-million-dollar project a coordinated project and it will now undergo the process of a full environmental impact assessment.
“Charters Towers Regional Council estimated the project would have a capital cost of $60 million and create 172 full-time equivalent jobs during construction.
“The decision to declare Big Rocks Weir a coordinated project means the Coordinator-General will now prepare draft terms of reference for an environmental impact statement (EIS),” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said.
Minister Miles added that the draft terms of reference for the project is going to be released for public comment so the local community can provide feedback on what the EIS must address. In addition, the community is encouraged to make submissions on the draft EIS following the finalisation of the terms of reference.
The State Government has invested about $3 million for Charters Towers Regional Council to undertake environmental as well as other regulatory approvals, geotechnical assessments, detailed weir design, and water product and pricing definition.
“The proposed Big Rocks Weir project could improve water supply in Charters Towers, boost North Queensland's economy and create jobs for the North of our state.
“Jobs and water security will help to secure our state's future,” Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said.
Big Rocks Weir – located about 26 kilometres north of Charters Towers – is anticipated to have a 10,000 megalitre capacity.
Once up and running, it will be able to augment urban water supply as well as support the local agriculture industry, create jobs for Queenslanders and improve water security for the Charters Towers region.
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning; Utility Magazine; Inside Construction