The EIS for Queensland’s proposed 153,000ML Traveston Dam “has clearly determined that Traveston Crossing is not only an appropriate site for a dam [it] is the best site in south-east Queensland for a dam,” Premier Anna Bligh told Parliament yesterday.

“In fact, the latest modelling determined that the dam would have filled four times since 2003, the most recent resulting from heavy falls in August/September.”

The EIS says the dam, 27km upstream of Gympie on the Mary River, would form “a critical component” of efforts to provide a secure water supply for south-east Queensland (SEQ). By 2011, it could supply an additional 70,000ML a year to SEQ, it says.

“Importantly, the assessment and studies undertaken for the project indicate that negative impacts are able to be mitigated to a satisfactory level; that matters of environmental significance are not negatively impacted by the project; there is significant beneficial impact in many instances; and additional proponent commitments will contribute significantly to sustainable outcomes,” it says.

“The Queensland Government is now faced with the situation where demand for reticulated water in SEQ is approximately 480,000 ML/year under non-drought conditions but the prudent take from existing sources of supply is approximately 440,000 ML/year,” it says.

“Further, in accordance with the medium series population projections, at least 140,000 ML/year of additional prudent take will be required by 2026 and 330,000 ML/year by 2051. A high series population projection/high water savings, scenario will require an additional prudent take of 210,000 ML/year will be required by 2026 and 490,000 ML/year by 2051.”

“Analysis undertaken to date shows that the Traveston Crossing Dam ... represents just over 27% of the anticipated total yield of current proposed supply initiatives in SEQ by 2015.”

The EIS notes desalination is already set to supply more than 21% of the minimum additional supply needed in SEQ by 2026. “This already constitutes the highest contribution to capital city urban supply by desalination in Australia,” it says.

No spokesperson for the ‘Save The Mary River!’ group was available to comment.

Traveston Crossing Dam Environmental Impact Statement – Full Document (SKM, Queensland Water Infrastructure Pty Ltd, October 18, 2007)

A free CD ROM version is available by contacting Queensland Water Infrastructure Pty Ltd.