Federal Liberal and Nationals Government has committed a further $12.65 million towards the Urannah Dam business case and approvals, bringing total committed federal funding to $22.65 million.

The Urannah Dam project will provide a secure and affordable water supply for agriculture, mining, industrial and urban use.

It is a transformative project for the region which stands to open up 20,000 hectares of prime agricultural land and support more than 1,800 jobs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said detailed business cases are fundamental in supporting future investment decisions for the delivery of new water infrastructure projects.

“This project is a great example of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s commitment to investing in the long-term planning of future water infrastructure, through the $3.5 billion National Water Grid Fund,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the proposed Urannah Dam project would include a new 970-gigalitre dam built 50 kilometres from Collinsville and a 200-kilometre pipeline network south to the Moranbah area.

“This extra funding is enabling vital planning and approvals work and geotechnical studies to be carried that will progress the project,” Ms Landry said.

Senator for Queensland Matt Canavan said that this dam could help provide 30 active projects and 71 new local projects with the water to become viable, and will help bring important investment to the communities of Central and North Queensland.

“Fully funding the Urannah Dam business case is vitally important to the growth of Central and North Queensland, and only the LNP is delivering on the important infrastructure to support new industries and bring jobs to the region,” Senator Canavan said.

“More water equals more jobs. The dam when built will provide irrigation of up to 20,000 hectares as well as providing additional pumped hydro-electric power storage and power generation infrastructure.”

The Australian Government is fully funding the $22.65 million business case and approvals project, which is expected to be completed in mid-2022. The Australian Government also previously committed $3 million to fund a feasibility study for the project.

The Australian Government will continue to work collaboratively with the Queensland Government to identify, plan and deliver water infrastructure for Queensland.

For more information on the National Water Grid projects, visit www.nationalwatergrid.gov.au.