Mareeba Shire Mayor Tom Gilmore, has welcomed news that the Queensland Government will fund the next stage of the proposed Nullinga Dam project.
Councillor Gilmore received reassurance from the Palaszczuk Government that they will keep their election promise and carry out a $4.2 million detailed business case for the proposed Nullinga Dam. “The Nullinga Dam has been in the air for quite some time, and I strongly support the Government’s latest investment in the water security project,” he said.
“Mareeba Shire Council fully supports the Queensland Government’s initiative for a detailed business case of proposed Nullinga Dam. I am certain that as a result, Nullinga will be found to be a viable and critical option for water security in the Mareeba Shire,” Cr Gilmore said.
The proposed dam would stimulate irrigated agriculture in the region, as the Mareeba-Dimbulah Water Supply Scheme is currently fully allocated.
“I understand that the detailed business case, which is expected to be completed within the first half of next year, would further investigate the construction of the Nullinga Dam and explore long-term water supply options to support economic growth for the Mareeba community,” Cr Gilmore said.
“Tinaroo Dam has been sitting at less than 50% capacity for over 12 months now, and that is concerning. “Mareeba is a strong, robust agricultural community, and it is imperative that we get more water to expand our agriculture industry,” he said.
Councillor Gilmore said he is looking forward to working with the State and Federal Governments and interested parties, to see the construction of the long-awaited project in the near future.
“Water is the gold of the future, it’s as simple as that,” he concluded.