An elected Liberal and Nationals Government will work hand in glove with the Queensland Government to ensure Paradise Dam is reconstructed as a matter of urgency to restore confidence in the Burnett and Bundaberg Region.
Shadow Minister for Water Perin Davey visited the Bundaberg region today to confirm the Coalition’s $600 million commitment to restore Paradise Dam to its original capacity.
“The former Coalition Government delivered $600 million for Paradise Dam remediation which Labor has deferred in every budget since,” Senator Davey said.
“A Liberal and Nationals Coalition Government will work with the Queensland State Government to get this project back on track after three years of Labor’s delays.
“Farmers around Bundaberg, who contribute over $2 billion to the Australian economy, have invested in their enterprises to ensure they are ready to make the most of the Dam’s increased capacity. They are being let down by Labor,” Senator Davey said.
Federal Member for Flynn Colin Boyce said it was imperative Paradise Dam is restored to its original storage capacity.
“The Bundaberg Region is one of Australia’s largest food growing areas. This community and its farmers need water and water security to have confidence to continue to produce high value agriculture,” Mr Boyce said.
“The reconstruction of Paradise Dam needs to start as soon as possible.”
Liberal National Candidate for Hinkler David Batt said water security was the number one priority for the local agricultural sector and that could only be solved by Paradise Dam being rebuilt to its original capacity urgently.
“The reconstruction of Paradise Dam will ensure certainty and security to our region’s farmers. That then has a ripple-effect as small business thrives when our agricultural sector thrives,” Mr Batt said.
“I called for the Parliamentary Inquiry into Paradise Dam construction back in 2019. I then lobbied both State and Federal Governments to get the funding commitment to rebuild it. I’ve been driving this rebuild for 6 years and I’m not giving up until it’s done,” Mr Batt said.