Media Release

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter said he was relieved and thankful that the Federal Government had agreed to fund the money required to complete the Charleston Dam in the Etheridge Shire.

The dam is located about six kilometres downstream of Forsayth and about 31 kilometres upstream of Georgetown on the Delaney River.

It is designed principally for town water supply purposes, as well as recreation.

“I want to thank the Federal Government for agreeing to fund this, and I’d also like to thank the last two Mayors there who have driven me personally crazy about getting this project up, and for good reason,” Mr Katter said.

“Forsayth services Cobbold Gorge which is one of the leading tourism attractions in Queensland.

“So this is a tremendous win not just for the residents of that town but also the future prosperity of a growing tourism region.

“The timing of the funding, around $3m, means the construction of the dam can be completed before the next wet season.

“We wish the current Council well with the completion of the project.”

Mr Katter said he hoped the Federal Government would fast-track the construction of other dam projects in North Queensland such as the Hughenden Irrigation Project, Big Rocks Weir and Hells Gates Dam.

“We must go into public works and we must fund ‘make money' projects rather than ‘absorb money' projects,” he said.

“Irrigation for large scale agricultural and industrial developments will see North Queensland flourish and reach its true potential.”

-ENDS-