The Coalition Government has committed $80 million to the construction of the Bowen Pipeline, delivering water security in northern Queensland and protecting and creating jobs in the agricultural sector.
Supported by five pump stations, this vital piece of infrastructure will see around 100 kilometres of underground pipeline built from the Burdekin River to Bowen.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said water supply and security plays a fundamental role in the future prosperity of our primary industries.
“This pipeline will be capable of transferring 100 gigalitres of water every year to agricultural, industry and community water users in the Bowen region,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The Bowen region is Australia’s largest winter vegetable growing area, supplying 19 varieties of vegetables and fruits to Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
“The Coalition Government understands the vital importance of regional Australia to our whole economy and will back in the projects that will make Australia as strong as possible as quickly as possible.”
The Bowen Pipeline project will support existing agricultural operations, enable irrigation of up to 40,000 hectares of additional land, and support the creation of up to 3,000 jobs in the horticulture, agriculture, and aquaculture sectors.
LNP candidate for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said this project will also promote economic growth across the Bowen region and beyond by supplying water to the Abbot Point State Development Area.
“I’m thrilled with this commitment from the Coalition Government. Water security on this scale is a game-changer for primary industries in our local region, securing local jobs,” Mr Willcox said.
“Not only will it see up to 145 jobs during construction, but it will also enable a $300 million yearly increase in horticultural production in the Bowen region, along with supporting water security for communities and businesses in Bowen, Inkerman, Gumlu and Guthalungra.”
Queenslanders can’t rely on a Labor-Greens Government to invest in water infrastructure which our primary industries rely so much on for their livelihoods.
Funding to construct the Bowen Pipeline has been committed as part of the Government’s $7.1 billion Energy Security and Regional Development Plan from the 2022-23 Budget to develop key regions across Australia, transforming them into next generation export hubs.
$1.7 billion has been allocated for North and Central Queensland to support the region’s potential to become a major global supplier of food and fibre.
The Coalition Government is also delivering a $3.5 billion National Water Grid Fund with more than $2 billion committed towards water infrastructure projects across Australia.
Only a re-elected Coalition Government will deliver a stronger economy with projects like the Bowen Pipeline that our Queensland farmers need to prosper.
Funding is subject to the completion of a detailed business case and demonstration of value for money and public benefit.
