Despite deputy premier Paul Lucas promising to make a final decision by mid-year, the Queensland Government says it will not release their report until federal Environment Minister Peter Garret announces his decision on the Traveston Dam in the Mary Valley. Garret’s decision could bring forward the need for more desalination plants by the Government’s previous estimate of 20 years.
 

To build a plant in Marcoola would involve constructing 1.6 km of intake and outfall pipeline through the Mount Coolum National Park, while using Bribie Island would involve running pipes across the Bribie Island National Park.
 

Local councillor Debbie Blumel is backing an alternative solution which has already attracted millions in government funding. The water harvesting project would drain water from around 1100 roofs in a nearby housing development, helping to reduce water shortages and reduce the area’s carbon footprint.