Premier Peter Beattie today announced the establishment of a new high level task force to help communities affected by two new dams to be built in south east Queensland.
Mr Beattie said the Community Futures Taskforce would be headed by the former Governor of Queensland Major General Peter Arnison.
He said they would work with communities to look at issues such as jobs, industry assistance, and how to help local economies capitalise on the construction of the dams in both the short term and long term.
“The two new dams at Traveston on the Mary River near Gympie and Wyaralong on the Teviot Brook near Boonah are absolutely vital if we are to ensure there is enough water to meet the needs of population growth in south east Queensland,” Mr Beattie said.
“However, they will have a significant social and economic impact on a number of local communities in the immediate area.
“At meetings in Beaudesert and Gympie this week a number of people raised very valid concerns with me about job security and the impact the dams may have on their livelihoods and businesses.
“The Taskforce will look at practical ways we can try and help address these concerns.
“We want to help rebuild communities so the dams become valued assets for their communities and create new work and recreation opportunities.”
Mr Beattie said the new taskforce would be led by General Arnison and include the Coordinator-General Ross Rolfe as well as the Director-Generals of State Development, Trade and Innovation; Employment and Training; Natural Resources, Mines and Water; Main Roads, Public Works; Communities and Local Government and Planning.
He said at a local level the Taskforce would include the Mayor of Boonah, John Brent (Wyaralong) and the Mayor of Cooloola Mick Vernados and the Member for Gympie, Elisa Roberts (Traveston).
It will also consult widely with local members of Parliament, local governments, industry, community groups, organisations and individuals.
“I know that many people are against the construction of these dams in the backyard of their own communities,” he said.
“However, as well as helping meet the water needs of south east Queensland, the dams can also provide real opportunities to revitalise local economies.
“They also have the potential to provide employment and investment opportunities for local residents.”
Initiatives to be undertaken by the Community Futures Taskforce include:
·Undertaking community needs assessment to identify, social, economic and land use implications;
·Providing shop front access to advice and support for individuals and community;
·Generating a case management approach for affected individuals, businesses and communities;
·Establishing community reference groups;
·Identifying opportunities for regional employment and business continuity;
·Developing industry adjustment initiatives;
·Identifying longer term employment opportunities;
·Implementing skills and training programs;
·Identifying land use planning scheme options;
·Identifying social infrastructure and lifestyle needs to rebuild communities;
·Identifying access to rural water use; and
·Rural futures planning
Mr Beattie said he was not putting limitations on the Taskforce and he would consider special legislation if necessary.
“It may be that, with the Councils, we need to look at local town planning schemes to provide for land swaps or subdivisions in the areas surrounding the dams,” he said.
“We will also look at involving local tradespeople and industry in construction as well as and new employment and training opportunities.
“I want to ensure that where possible, local residents and businesses have the opportunity to benefit from the construction of these dams.”
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