QLD: Gvt gives go ahead for Nathan Dam

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-1999
QLD: Gvt gives go ahead for Nathan Dam

Queensland's $150 million Nathan Dam project has been given the thumbs up, for the second time.

The state government has re-approved building the dam on the Fitzroy River, 18 months
after the previous Coalition government gave it the go-ahead.

Approval was given by the Coalition in March 1998, but put on hold for 18 months after
Labor took office.

Environment Minister ROD WELFORD says approval has been given after the most exhaustive
study of any catchment in Australia's history.

Development Minister JIM ELDER says a construction workforce of 200 will be needed
for three years to build the 880,000 mega-litre dam 40km downstream from Taroom.

Up to 30,000 hectares of new irrigation land will become available in the Dawson Valley.

The dam will also supply water to new coal mines and a power station and lead to an
expanded rail system in the area.

Opposition leader ROB BORBIDGE says he welcomes the government's decision not to axe
the project, but questions the value of the 18 month delay.

AAP RTV geb/rcg/jn

KEYWORD: DAM (BRISBANE)

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