Barlil Weir Case 'Key': Draft Report

FLASHBACK: Local farmers and then-Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd at the site of the proposed Barlil Weir in 2020
(Photo: BIEDO)

October 6, 2023

The public has been invited to provide feedback on the draft Bundaberg Burnett Regional Water Assessment released by Sunwater this week.

The draft follows months of consultations with key stakeholders in the South and North Burnett, Cherbourg and Bundaberg council areas.

In good news for the South Burnett, beginning a detailed business case for the proposed Barlil Weir on Barambah Creek has been identified as a “key short-term action” in the draft assessment.

Other options identified to unlock more water in the region include:

Beginning a detailed business case for the Gordonbrook Dam Irrigation Scheme, subject to confirmation of support from relevant entities for access to the Boondooma Dam water allocation to Tarong Power Station,

Undertaking an analysis to identify the preferred option to meet water needs in the West Barambah area, subject to the outcome of the Barlil Weir detailed business case,

Beginning detailed business cases for the Cooranga Weir on the Boyne River and the raising of Jones Weir on the Burnett River at Mundubbera,

Beginning a detailed business case for the raising of the Claude Wharton Weir at Gayndah to supply additional water in the Lower Burnett area, subject to outcomes of the Jones Weir detailed business case and the outcomes of a supply and demand audit.

Feedback from the public consultation process will be used to finalise the Bundaberg Burnett Regional Water Assessment for consideration by the State Government.

Consultation sessions will be held throughout the assessment area, including:

October 25 – Gayndah, 11:00am-2:00pm at the Golden Orange Hotel Conference Room (3-5 Maltby Place)

October 25 – Mundubbera, 9:00am-noon at the North Burnett Community Services Meeting Room (69 Stuart-Russell Street)

October 27 – Kingaroy, 10:00am-1:00pm at the KCCI Business Hub (195 Kingaroy Street)

October 27 – Murgon, 2:00pm-5:00pm at the BIEDO Office (80 Gore Street)

There will also be one-hour online forums where people can find out more about the shortlisted recommendations and ask the project team questions.

Registrations for these online forums can be made on the Sunwater website (scroll to near the end of the page)

Independent experts and local stakeholders identified 121 potential initiatives (106 infrastructure and 15 non-infrastructure potential water supply and security options) during the assessment process.

It was led by Sunwater on behalf of the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water.

“The next important step is to hear the views of farmers, business owners and residents on the proposed options and what they think will best support future growth opportunities,” Water Minister Glenn Butcher said.

“I want to thank mayors, councillors, industry and peak body representatives, Traditional Owners, and independent experts for their ongoing commitment to this process.”

Feedback on the draft assessment must be submitted by Thursday, November 2.

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