Rural
23 February, 2021
Water business case gives positive outlook for Somerset & Lockyer Valley
Member for Nanango, and Shadow Minister for Water, Deb Frecklington, and Member for Lockyer, Jim McDonald have congratulated members of the Lockyer Valley & Somerset Water Collaborative on the release of a positive Detailed Business Case for the Lockyer Valley and Somerset.
Mrs Frecklington said this was a culmination of more than five years of hard work and the result is good news for the region.
“I have been pleased to support the members of the Collaborative since they began this process and thank them for the presentation of the data in Gatton last week,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Their unwavering determination to get this water project to this point means there is hope for irrigators in the Somerset and Lockyer that they will finally have access to a more reliable water source.
“I will continue to support the progress of the Business Case and will help advocate for the funding required so we can get the pipes in the ground and water to our primary producers.
“We’ve all known that access to secure water will be an enormous benefit to growers, but this business case is the vehicle that demonstrates just how much a water project will benefit the entire region with the projection that it could create 2,600 long term jobs,” Deb said.
Member for Lockyer, Jim McDonald said ‘This $200 million project should be considered the number one water security project in Queensland. It has been industry driven, is affordable and the return on investment is positive,’ said Mr McDonald.
“We have been working on water security for over 20 years. This is our best opportunity ever and I will continue to fight until it is delivered.”
