Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, says reports that Labor had no plans to progress the Flood Mitigation dam proposals were a knee-jerk reaction that will only create even more uncertainty for Somerset residents.
Mrs Frecklington said that late last year the LNP government had announced three Dam prefeasibility study recommendations, including two in the Nanango Electorate – the Linville Dam site and the raising of the Wivenhoe Dam wall.
“While no decisions had been made, I’m extremely disappointed that these proposals have been dismissed, leaving my constituents with even more waiting and uncertainty,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“I understand that Minister Bailey rejected the proposal before he even received a proper briefing from the Department,” she said.
Mrs Frecklington said her Government had been working methodically to address flood mitigation proposals and in the process had been upfront and honest with Somerset residents about the options that were under consideration.
“In particular, people living in the Linville area were hoping to understand fairly soon whether or not the Dam would become a reality, and they were keen to start making plans, whatever the decision may have been. Now, the proposal will just keep hanging over their heads, which is not a good outcome,” she said.
“If Labor aren’t going to progress these flood mitigation options, what is their plan? You just can’t leave people without answers like this. I’ll be writing to the Minister to address this issue,” Mrs Frecklington questioned.
Photo: Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, with attendees at the community meeting in June 2014 to discuss the then proposed Linville Dam. Mrs Frecklington says the community is being left with even more uncertainty.
