SAUSTR AL
PM] IN/ L: iM VAI NFS
FOR MEDIA THURSDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 1981
BUNDABERG IRRIGATION PROJECT
The Commonwealth is prepared to join with the Queensland
Government in financing the completion of the Bundaberg
Irrigation Scheme over the next eight years.
I have written to the Queensland Premier to advise him that,
based on the present estimatei. cost of. completion of $ 80 million,
the Commonwealth is prepared to provide $ 4 million in each of the
next eight years provided the Queensland Govermnent provides
$ 6 million each year.
Mr Bjelke-Petersen has advised me that the Queensland Government
is very appreciative of this offer. He has asked that
Commonwealth and State officials discuss this proposal before
he gives a commitment. I have asked Conunonwealth officials
to arrange discussions as soon as possible so that both
Governments are able to arrive at an early decision in
relation to this important project.
In 1978-79, under the National Water Resources Program, the
Commonwealth Government allocated $ 2.5' million to Queensland
for the project the largest allocation for a rural water
supply project. In the current financial year a similar
allocation of $ 2.5 million was also made. In total, the
Commonwealth has provided grants to Queensland amounting to
$ 24.65 million for the project. 000---
BUNDABERG IRRIGATION PROJECT
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