TABLE OF CONTENTS Page CHAIRMAN'S SUMMARY ...................................................................................................2 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................3 THE COMMITTEE .......................................................................................................3 INSTITUTION OF INQUIRY .......................................................................................3 SUBMISSIONS, INSPECTION AND HEARINGS......................................................4 RESPONSIBILITY OF MINISTERS ............................................................................4 NEED AND SUITABILITY....................................................................................................5 OVERVIEW...................................................................................................................5 ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TO MEET THE NEED...............................................5 PLANNING STUDIES ..................................................................................................7 DETERMINATION OF IRRIGATION AREAS...........................................................8 PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT.........................................................................9 CANEGROWERS' INVOLVEMENT.........................................................................10 APPROVAL PROCESS ........................................................................................................11 PROJECT MANAGEMENT................................................................................................12 DAM DESIGN........................................................................................................................13 THE MAIN DAM ........................................................................................................13 THE SADDLE DAMS.................................................................................................14 RETICULATION SYSTEMS......................................................................................15 FUNDING ...............................................................................................................................16 COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION.......................................16 QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION ...............................................16 INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTION...................................................................................16 FINANCIAL RISK.......................................................................................................17 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS........................................................................18 COMMUNITY FACILITIES ...............................................................................................22 FISH STOCKING ........................................................................................................22 RECREATION.............................................................................................................22 CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................................24 RECOMMENDATIONS.......................................................................................................26 APPENDIX A — CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS ..................................................................27 APPENDIX B — LIST OF SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED .................................................28 APPENDIX C — LIST OF WITNESSES............................................................................29 APPENDIX D — LOCATION PLAN.................................................................................30 Chairman's Summary Development of the Teemburra Dam and Associated Irrigation Areas CHAIRMAN'S SUMMARY The Teemburra Dam now being constructed will provide additional water to boost cane irrigation within the Pioneer Valley area. Not only will the Dam ensure a more regular supply of irrigation water, but it will also help to mitigate against the effects of prolonged drought such as that recently experienced in the Mackay region. The Teemburra Dam will also help produce a range of economic benefits for both the region and the state through increased production of cane and sugar exports. However the waters from Teemburra will do more than assist sugar growers. There are plans to utilise Teemburra waters at a number of proposed industrial facilities including a bagasse pulp processing plant for paper production and at a yeast factory. It is expected that waste waters from these facilities will then be available for re-use for cane irrigation. In its examination of this project, the Committee was able to look at alternative proposals, the planning process, the various levels of approvals required and finally, at the financial and construction elements. In doing this, the Committee conducted hearings at which members of the public were able to express their opinions and preferences and set out what they saw to be the more important aspects of the proposal. The Committee is making a number of recommendations in regard to this project. Principle among these are two which are aimed at improving the approval processes involved and the clarification of the time of commencement of works. Other recommendations relate to the level of community facilities to be developed at the dam site, the increased use of demand management by the Department of Primary Industries, and the equitable consideration of historical water users affected by the development. Finally, the Committee draws attention to the high level of professionalism and commitment demonstrated by officers of the Department of Primary Industries in their approach to implementing the project. The Committee in previous reports has also outlined the importance of being provided with comprehensive and relevant information by government and non-government organisations and members of the public. In this respect the Committee expresses its particular appreciation to Departmental officers for the co-operation given to it and for the comprehensive briefings and answers given to matters raised during the course of the inquiry. Such co-operation and openness is an essential part in ensuring that the Committee is able to properly discharge its responsibilities to the Parliament and the people of Queensland. Ms Judy Spence MLA Chairman 2 Introduction Development of the Teemburra Dam and Associated Irrigation Areas INTRODUCTION THE COMMITTEE 1 This Standing Committee, established by the Public Works Committee Act 1989, consists of seven Members of the Legislative Assembly. Four Members are nominated by the Leader of the House and three by the Leader of the Opposition. The resultant all-party Committee adopts a non-partisan approach in the conduct of its inquiries. 2 The Committee reviews public works valued at over $2.4 million. This can be done at any stage, from planning through to completion, and can include such matters as design, land purchase, calling of tenders, new construction, reconstruction and extensions. 3 In conducting its inquiries, the Committee may have regard to such issues as the suitability and necessity of works, the value for money achieved, the impact on the economy, community and environment and the general performance of the constructing authority. While the Committee does not examine all works, it aims to ensure a level of scrutiny across all departments involved in the State's capital works program. INSTITUTION OF INQUIRY 4 The Committee takes a variety of matters into consideration in the conduct of its inquiries, many of which also form the basis of its decisions to inquire into particular areas or projects. The Committee reviews projects from as wide a selection of departments and other constructing authorities as is practicable, in a variety of locations throughout Queensland and at various stages of their implementation. 5 Pursuant to Section 18 of the Public Works Committee Act 1989, the Committee resolved to inquire into and report on the Development of the Teemburra Dam and Associated Irrigation Areas. The project mainly involves the construction of a 137,600 megalitre Dam on Teemburra Creek, some 70 kilometres west of Mackay. 6 The Committee initiated this inquiry: (a) to assess the need for and suitability of the project; (b) to examine the appropriateness and efficiency of the procurement system adopted; (c) to examine the adequacy of the design of the project; (d) to assess the level and sufficiency of consultation which occurred, and (e) to provide a forum in which further community opinion could be voiced in regard to the project. 7 The Committee considers that in the development of public works, construction authorities should seek input from end users as well as from people and organisations either affected by or with an interest in the development. The Committee sees one of 3 Introduction Development of the Teemburra Dam and Associated Irrigation Areas its roles as facilitating this process by providing a public forum in which community opinion, whether it be suggestions, praise or criticism, can be heard. The Committee is convinced, however, that the focus of this and all other State Government capital works projects must be upon maximising the benefits to as wide a community as is possible and appropriate. 8 The Committee also wishes to ensure that Queensland receives value in the development