September 10, 2018
Federal Senator Bridget McKenzie made a flying visit to the Burnett on Friday to meet irrigators who rely on the quickly depleting Boondooma Dam.
On Friday, the dam – which was built to supply water to Tarong Power Station – was at 34.28 per cent capacity but by Monday had dropped to 34.11 per cent.
At 30 per cent capacity, irrigators will lose their water entitlements although the power station will be allowed to continue drawing supplies.
After meeting growers in the North Burnett, Senator McKenzie – who is the Federal Minister for Regional Services, Sport, Local Government and Decentralisation – and Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd joined Opposition Leader and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington in Wondai.
Mrs Frecklington said it had been an excellent opportunity to discuss water security with the Federal representatives.
“Irrigators in both the North and South Burnett – including large avocado growers near Blackbutt – rely on water from Boondooma Dam to keep their businesses viable and their crops alive,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“It’s clear a long-term plan is needed for water security.
“Boondooma Dam is under pressure.
“While I understand Stanwell has agreed to make 1000 megalitres available from Boondooma Dam, and take some of their water from the Wivenhoe Pipeline, this is only a short-term fix.
“(The State Government) must look after farmers who draw water from Boondooma Dam. They must find a long-term solution for them.
“I’d like to thank Ken O’Dowd for bringing Senator McKenzie to our region so we can highlight this issue.”
