Mayor Glen Hartwig optimistic about Borumba Dam hydro plan

Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said the decision to explore upgrades to Borumba Dam announced as part of the State Government’s budget is a good start for dealing with one of the region’s most critical issue, but more still needed to be done

Mayor Glen Hartwig is optimistic a $22 million investigation into a plan to turn Borumba Dam into a renewable energy plant will help solve the region’s water security concerns.

Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig is optimistic about the State Government’s exploration of upgrading Borumba Dam by building a hydro-electric plant but says there were still moving parts that needed to be locked in for the plan to fully benefit the region.

A $22 million detailed design and cost analysis for pumped hydro-electricity at the popular Mary Valley tourism spot was one of several Gympie-specific projects announced by the State on Tuesday night.

Mr Hartwig welcomed the commitment.

However he said any improvements to Borumba Dam needed to come with improved water security for Gympie to be of benefit.

“Providing that Gympie region gets adequate future allocation then that project would be supported by this council,” Mr Hartwig said.

“If there is no allocation or no other means for Gympie to maintaining future water use needs then we need to look at that project.

“But we are in conversation with the State, we are working with them to resolve this issue, and I believe it is a very fruitful and positive relationship at this point.

Borumba Dam is at the centre of a proposal to build a new hydro-electric dam.

“Gympie is well positioned to be an agricultural or horticultural hub.

“We’ve already seen investment in the last six months around the region … there’s plenty of opportunity for that but it’s all determined by water.

Mr Hartwig said the water problem trickled down to other issues, including its ability to eventually deliver larger projects like an indoor sports complex.

But he stood by his commitment to ensuring such projects were financially viable before seeking financial help for them from the State or federal Governments.

“The position this council has take is we are looking at whole of life costings and affordability and ongoing maintenance costs, particularly when it comes to the ‘nice-to-haves’ (projects)”,” Mr Hartwig said.

“And until we can actually afford them as a region we are not simply going to go out and build a ‘nice-to-have’ for the sake of having it and then slug the ratepayer.”

The State Government also provided funding for $1.6 million Rainbow Beach fire station, and $549,000 for the Cooloola Coast Esplanade upgrade and $500,000 for improved water supply at Mary Valley College.

Funding commitments for the Gympie and Tiaro bypasses were also confirmed.