Premier visits the Southern Downs

When the Premier visited the Southern Downs and Granite Belt on Thursday the hot topics were water supply and drought.

It was important to meet with the Premier while she was here on the Southern Downs and Granite Belt to talk with her about the issues facing our community. There is no doubt that she was confronted by the severe lack of available water and the struggling environment.

We discussed issues surrounding water cartage, Emu Swamp Dam and other infrastructure that is needed… particularly on the Granite Belt.

“I’m sure today was just one of many discussions that will be held over the coming months as Stanthorpe faces the dam running dry” said Joel Richters. “It was Labor that built Storm King Dam in 1956 supported by the then Secretary of Public Works the Hon Paul Hilton, Member for Carnarvon, and 63 years later with the community standing united we will get us through this challenge also”.

The Premier had the opportunity to see for herself just how low Storm King Dam is at present. While the town and the broader community are going through their challenges we must not forget that the local economy, now more than ever, needs a vibrant and continuing tourism industry.

“While we wait for the rains to come, we must do more to support tourism in the area and actively work hand in hand with local businesses and attractions to boost the local economy” Joel Richters added.

Accompanying the Premier to Stanthorpe was Hon Mark Furner MP, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries.