Council
18 September, 2023
Frecklington questions Minister on Cressbrook Creek Weir
THE silt build-up in the Cressbrook Creek weir on Skopps Lane near Toogoolawah has drawn the attention of State Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, who has questioned the Minister for Water about the issue.
Mrs Frecklington said she had recently met with Cressbrook Creek Irrigator’s Association members who shared concerns about the management and safety of the weir.
“Irrigators who are part of the Cressbrook Creek Water Supply Scheme approached me with valid concerns about the weir at Skopps Lane, in particular the impact of the silt build-up in the weir and its impact on the criteria for releases from Cressbrook Dam,” she said.
“I took the opportunity to inspect the weir with local irrigators and it is obvious the weir has a large amount of silt build-up which is affecting the weir’s operation and safety of the weir wall.
“On their behalf, I have asked a Question on Notice to the Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, seeking clarification about whether the Department of Water has any plans to desilt the weir.
“The irrigators have also raised the issue of water meter re-validation as the Department has ordered them to revalidate their meters by November 2023.
“This will come at a cost of thousands of dollars for primary producers and places an unnecessary burden on their already stretched businesses.
“I agree with them that there needs to be an extension to the arbitrary deadline and a complete rethink of the regulation.”
