By ALENA HIGGINS
FUNDING strategies for Emu Swamp Dam will be mulled over later this month after the Federal Government approved the project last week.
The green light allows Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) to begin door knocking for capital, with the massive water infrastructure project tipped to cost about $76 million to complete.
It is understood the council and the Commonwealth have been negotiating the terms of environmental conditions for some months, with council accepting the particulars last week.
“Following the Co-ordinator General’s approval of Emu Swamp Dam in September, the council also needed to have the Federal Government’s approval of the project,” mayor Peter Blundell explained.
“Both State and Federal governments have applied environmental conditions on the dam including flora and fauna management strategies, an offset area management plan, and a comprehensive plan outlining compliance to the conditions.
“The council has replied to the Federal Government accepting the environmental conditions.
“The council is now working on funding strategies for the dam and at its next general meeting (26 November) councillors will discuss options.”
Cr Blundell said Emu Swamp Dam would be one of the most significant projects in the history of SDRC.
“It is vitally important economically, socially and in terms of sustainability of the communities on the Granite Belt,” he said.
“We are being challenged by our ability to supply water to the Granite Belt over a number of dry weather periods, which further reinforces the need for Emu Swamp Dam as a vital piece of infrastructure for the Granite Belt.
“While it will be some time before construction can begin, with these approvals the council can now move forward, progressing funding strategies.”
Long-standing proponent of the development, Cr Vic Pennisi, welcomed the latest announcement, but acknowledged there was still a long way to go.
“There are other approvals we have to get … but at least we know the government has approved it and we can manage the concerns that have been identified in the public consultation process,” he said.
And who will be asked to open their purse strings?
“Obviously we will be looking to Federal and State governments and the growers and see where we get to after that,” he said.
