With the release of the LNP’s water security plan on 12 October 2024, Sandy called on the LNP to categorically rule out building a ‘Traveston Dam 2.0’ in the Mary Valley. Thankfully, they have now done this. The earlier announcement for a potential new dam in Southeast Queensland with no details felt like déjà vu – the major parties take communities across Queensland for granted time and time again and this is no different. Sandy will be holding them to this commitment should they form Government after the October 2024 election.
Background
The original Traveston Dam project was to build a 161,000 mgL catchment along the Mary River, which was scrapped in 2009 due to the likelihood of unacceptable impacts on native threatened species including the Australian lungfish, the Mary River turtle and the Mary River cod. It was also heavily rejected by the surrounding communities.
According to a report by Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee (MRCCC), the previous project involved the resumption of potentially more than one thousand freehold properties in closely-knit communities of the Mary Valley and the loss or relocation of all public infrastructure in the area.
MRCCC Chairman Ian Mackay joined Sandy in her call on the LNP pointing out that the wettest part of the Mary River catchment is already dammed by Baroon Pocket on Obi Obi Creek supplying water to the Sunshine Coast and, via the Northern Pipeline Interconnector, the northern parts of Brisbane at times. He said the following in a statement:
“This has had a significant impact on the Mary; any further eyeing off the Mary for water for Southeast Queensland needs to be ruled out.”
“Seqwater understands the importance of climate-independent sources of water. Water decisions need to be made by water professionals, not politicians less than a fortnight out from an election.”
At the time, it cost the State more than $318 million after the Government was forced to sell back many properties bought to make way for the project.
There’s a very, very limited number of places a new dam could be built in Southeast Queensland. If the LNP leave so many questions unanswered, as we saw with the Labor Government and the State Facilitated Development notifications, understandably residents think the worst.
As mentioned above, should the LNP form Government after the October 2024 election, Sandy will hold them to their commitment not to revisit the Traveston Dam proposal.
Further information
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