A consortium of regional advocacy and industry groups have released their joint economic report titled “The economic costs of inaction on Paradise Dam”. It estimates the cost of inaction on Paradise Dam, to the Bundaberg Region, would be approximately $2.4 billion over the next 30 years.
This is the potential cost to the Queensland economy of a permanent lowering of Paradise Dam by up to 5 metres. The report shows that not restoring the Dam wall will compromise future investment and income-generation from high-valued crops, such as macadamias and avocados.
Bree Grima from Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers said: “The report also shows how regional irrigators rely on the certainty of water being available in Paradise Dam into the future before they commit to investments in new tree crops and irrigation infrastructure”.
The $2.4 billion cost estimate also includes broader economic and social impacts. Mark Mammino, Chair of Bundaberg’s Irrigation Advisory Committee and Canegrowers Isis explained: “Irrigated agriculture underpins an important economic base for the Bundaberg region including a wide range of employment opportunities."
"Without action on Paradise Dam, there is a high risk of long-term unemployment and associated social problems such as mental health and financial stress.”
Source: bundabergnow.com
