Premier Anna Bligh said the Queensland Treasury had been tasked with investigating investment opportunities to fund the proposed $2.6B Connors River Dam, together with a proposed Multi-Cargo Facility at Abbot Point.
A report examining funding models and options is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with the Government possibly in a position to approach the market in early 2012.
“Queensland taxpayers stand to benefit from the increased royalties the infrastructure investment will reap from enhanced export potential without having to foot the bill,” Bligh said. “The government’s plan is unashamedly to create opportunities for private sector investment that results in increased benefits for Queenslanders – be it through increased royalty revenues, new jobs or growth in our regional centres.
The Connors River dam and pipelines project involves a 49,500 megalitre dam and two pipelines; a 133 km pipeline from the dam to Moranbah and a 265km pipeline from Moranbah to Alpha.
Bligh said the projects would deliver reliable water supplies to the Bowen and Galilee coal basins as well as the townships of Nebo, Moranbah and Alpha.
“This massive project will underpin the water supply needs for the development of this resource industry corridor and the towns that support it,” she said. “With the continued development of the Bowen Basin, and indeed the opening of the Galilee Basin, there is also strong demand for additional export capacity in the north of the state.”
