Major projects, like the $1.6 billion Traveston Crossing Dam Project, will support infrastructure growth on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland Water Infrastructure Pty Ltd (QWI) CEO Graeme Newton told delegates at the State of the Region conference today. “The key benefit of this project will come from the delivery of a reliable, secure water supply to South East Queensland, including the Sunshine Coast, but the supplementary benefits should not be underestimated,” Mr Newton said. “A project of this size will create a skills and business boom locally. “The Project will directly create opportunities for over 600 businesses, and hundreds more indirectly. “Similarly, around 500-600 people will be directly employed, translating indirectly into employment for
over 1700 people during peak construction. “Long term, this will deliver a skilled workforce for the region ready to deliver other major nfrastructure in the future from roads through to rail, schools, and property development.” Mr Newton said QWI was actively engaging with businesses in the region to deliver targeted programs that supported local participation and skills development on the Project. “We now have over 970 businesses signed up for opportunities, with over 150 local businesses
already working on early investigations associated with the Project. “Since mid 2007, more than 2000 local people have taken up opportunities to attend business forums
and training initiatives to engage early on the Project.” In addition to local skills development, the Traveston Crossing Dam will also provide the Sunshine
Coast with: - A secure and reliable water supply
- Facilitating the bring forward of an upgrade of a 11.5 km section of the Bruce Highway from 2015 to 2011
- Increased tourism potential – studies showing visitors to large bodies in SEQ spend on average $243 and $529 each. Annual economic benefits of fishing alone at other dams in Queensland estimated at $1.1 million at the Bjelke Petersen Dam, $3.2 million at Boondooma Dam and $4.5 million at Fairbairn Dam
- Recreation hub with opportunities for horse riding, mountain bike riding, bush walking and water sports such as canoeing and kayaking
- $35 million Freshwater Species Conservation Centre, a research and environment education centre attracting visiting academics, scientists, teachers and school groups.
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