Nullinga Dam analysis released
02 August 2019
Building Queensland has released the Nullinga Dam and Mareeba Dimbulah Water Supply Scheme Improvements Detailed Business Case. Developed in partnership with Sunwater, the business case provides a robust assessment of the opportunities and challenges of increasing water available for agricultural activities in support of potential future demand in the Mareeba Dimbulah Water Supply Scheme.
The business case investigated improving the Mareeba Dimbulah Water Supply Scheme rules and operation, and upgrading the existing Arriga and East Barron Channels. An in-depth demand assessment was undertaken along with analysis of the design and construction of Nullinga Dam.
The business case analysis reveals construction of the proposed Nullinga Dam is neither financially or economically viable. The proposed Nullinga Dam site is located in a poor performing catchment requiring a costly build solution. To construct a dam that would meet identified demand would require an extended and costly construction program relative to the volume of water that would be available.
There is an opportunity to support expanded agricultural production in the area; however, only at a price that is substantially lower than the actual cost per megalitre of delivering additional water. Full cost recovery pricing models that align with the current Queensland and Commonwealth Government water pricing policies are not commercially viable. A full cost recovery charging approach would result in $15,900 per megalitre for Medium Priority water allocations—considerably higher than the willingness to pay for current customers in the Mareeba Dimbulah Water Supply Scheme.
The long-term water supply needs of the Cairns region were assessed in detail as part of the business case, and the outcomes of this analysis indicate that the Cairns region does not require a new water supply source for at least the next 40 years.
The detailed business case was completed in June 2019. It has been made publicly available to inform stakeholders and the community of the analysis underpinning the outcomes.
View the Nullinga Dam and Mareeba Dimbulah Water Supply Scheme Detailed Business Case.
2019 Infrastructure Pipeline Report released
21 August 2019
Building Queensland has released the 2019 Infrastructure Pipeline Report, detailing 18 priority proposals under development by the Queensland Government. Over 70 per cent of proposals previously listed in the report have progressed to further stages of development, with six securing funding for delivery. The funded projects include Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3A; new primary, secondary […]
Liam Gordon appointed Executive Director of Strategy and Advisory
07 June 2019
Mr Liam Gordon has been appointed to the newly created position of Executive Director, Strategy and Advisory, Building Queensland. Mr Gordon has over 20 years’ experience in the Queensland public and infrastructure sectors. He has served as Executive General Manager, Projects at Queensland Rail as well as Deputy Under Treasurer, Economics at Queensland Treasury. Mr […]
Changes to Building Queensland’s operations
12 April 2019
Important operational amendments will be implemented enabling Building Queensland to drive greater efficiencies in developing robust business cases and advice to inform government decision-making. Following yesterday’s proclamation of the Economic Development and Other Legislation Bill 2018, detailed business cases for road transport projects valued under $500 million (which do not include a toll road) will […]