Council must consider ownership of Big Rocks Weir

Charters Towers Mayor Cr Frank Beveridge says Council must consider the opportunity to take ownership of the future of Big Rocks Weir, if the financial analysis in the Business Case was positive.

The Business Case, which is expected to be completed within a few months, will present a range of options for ownership and operation of the Weir asset, which are typically managed by the State Government.

“Big Rocks is one of the most shovel ready projects in North Queensland with $30M in funding committed and ready to go,” Cr Beveridge said.

“It will provide a jobs boost for local tradies and suppliers.

“Longer term it presents big opportunities for agriculture in our region, including more on-farm employment and capital works, as well as food processing and handling services to supply domestic and export markets.”

Cr Beveridge said the option of Council owning and operating the Weir would be about maximising its value to the local community.

“Water harnessed by the Weir needs to be affordable and widely available to farmers and industry.

“But we also need to ensure that the Weir is an income producing asset for the community and doesn’t end up as cost that ratepayers have to bear into the future.

“Council will be looking very closely at the financial and economic modelling for the Weir when the report is presented.

“Any decision on ownership has to clearly understand its potential cost, but my feeling is that Council is well placed to maximise its value and if the opportunity presents then we should consider our options”.

Cr Beveridge said there was also a strong case for government subsidy for the Weir’s water given the huge potential uplift to the region’s agricultural industry and the jobs it will generate long term.

“We think that government should pick winners and help underwrite projects, especially at start up, that create huge additional value across the community.

Cr Beveridge said Townsville Enterprise had done an excellent job in leading the North Queensland based consortium that had fast tracked the Business Case.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with Townsville Enterprise to also fast track construction of the project – ideally starting in 2021 – but also determining the potential for Council ownership of this vital community asset.”

OGG 28 May 2020