PM Transcripts

PRESS STATEI2ENT BY THE MVINISTER FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIA
MVR PAUL KEATING, M. P. Canberra 4 November 1975
BURDEKIN BASIN INVESTIGATIONS
The Minister for Northern Australia, Mr Paul
Keating, said today that investigations into the potential
for development in the Burdekin Basin region of north
Queensland were nearing completion.
" The program of investigations, now in its third
year, is under the supervision of the joint Federal/ State
Burdekin Projects Committee".
" Particular attention had been paid to an assessment
of potential future commitments of the water resources of the
Basin for industrial, urban, irrigation and power purposes,
and for flood mitigation. The development potential of the
large coal reserves in the Burdekin Basin is alsn receiving
considerable attentinn".
" The-se investigations have involved engineering and
hydrological studies, while soil surveys and field trials
have been undertaken for an assessment of the potential of
unproven soils in the lower Burdekin for intensive agricultural
development., The environmental consequences of further
industrial development in the Basin are also under study.
Consultants have been engaged where necessary, particularly
with regard to industrial processing investigations".
M~ r Keating said that the Burdekin Basin, an area
of 130,000 square kilometers, was well provided with
infrastructure facilities and these would contribute
significantly to future large-scale development in the region.
The Burdekin Project Steering Committee met in
Brisbane on 3 November to discuss progress of the program of
investigations and other requirements for a report to be
completed next year.