Community support
- Queensland Water Infrastructure
- Community Futures Task Force
- Business Adjustment Scheme
- Worker Assistance Program
- Land use and planning studies
- Historical documentation project
The Department of Communities has a lead agency role in providing support to community members and organisations affected by the government's decision to build dams at Traveston Crossing and Wyaralong.
The department participates in regular Community Futures Task Force meetings and works with the task force and other State Government agencies to manage community and social issues which arise as a result of the government's decision to build the dams.
Queensland Water Infrastructure
Queensland Water Infrastructure Pty Ltd was established by the State Government in June 2006 to progress the feasibility and potential design and construction of four major water infrastructure projects in south east Queensland: the Traveston Crossing Dam, Wyaralong Dam, Cedar Grove Weir and Bromelton Offstream Storage.
Queensland Water Infrastructure is undertaking the approvals process for these projects including environmental assessments, preliminary design work and assessment of land and infrastructure impacts.
Community Futures Task Force
The Community Futures Task Force was established in 2006 as a central coordination mechanism to assist its members to meet their responsibilities for the proposed Traveston Crossing Dam and the Wyaralong Dam. The Community Futures Task Force is comprised of Directors-General of State Government departments and mayors of affected shires. The task force is chaired by Major General Peter Arnison.
The Community Futures Task Force:
- addresses the immediate effects on individuals and communities arising from the proposals to build the dams
- develops strategies to maximise the longer term opportunities presented by the proposed dams
- undertakes community engagement in the Community Futures Task Force work program and provides regular information to the community, and
- develops community and government linkages to address issues and impacts.
Business Adjustment Scheme
On behalf of the State Government, the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority provides a Business Adjustment Scheme to businesses which are adversely affected by the proposed Traveston Crossing and Wyaralong Dam.
The Business Adjustment Scheme includes:
- business advice assistance which enables eligible businesses to seek reimbursement for costs associated with obtaining professional financial advice regarding the adverse effects on their business of the proposed Traveston Crossing and Wyaralong Dam
- business restructure assistance which enables eligible businesses to develop and implement business strategies to improve the ongoing viability of their business and provides support for the short term decline in profitability suffered as a result of the dam announcement
- business exit assistance which provides a one-off payment to an eligible business where, as a result of the dam announcement, exiting the business is the only realistic option.
Further information on eligibility guidelines is available at the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority website.
Worker Assistance Program
Through the Worker Assistance Program, the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation provides employment and training assistance to residents who have lost their jobs as a result of their previous employer closing down or downsizing due to the government's decision to build dams at Traveston Crossing and Wyaralong.
Land use and planning studies
The Department of Infrastructure and Planning provides leadership in regional planning and manages urban growth and the effective provision of infrastructure in south east Queensland. For details of land use planning contact the Department of Infrastructure and Planning on (07) 3227 8548.
Historical documentation project
The proposed Traveston Crossing Dam and Wyaralong Dam are major milestones for the affected communities. In 2007/08, Queensland State Archives produced two historical booklets and conducted community archive workshops in the Cooloola and Boonah regions. The booklets were researched and written by professional historians on selected aspects of historical significance to the Cooloola and Boonah regions. The workshops were conducted by expert staff from Queensland State Archives to assist local historical groups and individuals in the preservation and management of their own records, including advice on photographic collections. Copies of the booklets are available from the Gympie and Boonah Public Libraries respectively.
Last reviewed: 10 August 2009