Over the last few years Southern Downs residents have heard a lot about Emu Swamp Dam.  GBIP promised that it was “committed to keeping you informed”.  Both local papers carried stories about the progress (or not) of the dam.  Mayor Pennisi spoke on radio and to the papers.  Councillor Tancred gave speeches at Council meetings, even though he was only conditionally allowed to stay in the room because of his conflict of interest.

This is of course not to say that we were actually kept informed.  But it is strange then, isn’t it, that we have such silence over the last 2 weeks, just when things were getting interesting?

On 25 November the Queensland Government announced that Emu Swamp Dam would be included in the Southern and Darling Downs Regional Water Assessment program.

Last week neither of the local papers covered this announcement.  The GBIP website has had no further updates since July this year.  SDRC has not issued any update to the community.

But sometimes actions speak louder than words.  GBIP quietly closed its office the day after the Queensland Government announcement.  The office is empty, and the shop signs have been painted over.  No forwarding address is posted on the door.

A decision on the future of Granite Belt Water Limited will be made this month, according to GBIP’s annual financial statements which were lodged on 28 November 2022.  They state (my emphasis):

The Directors have a cash flow forecast prepared to February 2023, which shows all obligations are met to 31 January 2023 and are reducing project activity and minimising expenditure to maintain liquidity…

No forecast can be made beyond February 2023 at this stage.  Should the future of the project remain uncertain and there are no additional confirmed funding arrangements in place the Board will need to decide the future of Granite Belt Water Limited at the regular Board meeting in December 2022.  A decision at this time is required so that sufficient funds are reserved to fund activities associated with closing, liquidating or hibernating the business from February 2023 should no additional funding be forthcoming.

Over the last week GBIP has been busy terminating contractual obligations and repaying liabilities.  And the word around town is that the dam supporters are looking for someone to take over the design, construction and operation of this quarter of a billion dollar project.  Let’s hope our Mayor isn’t tempted by this hospital pass, because it’s time he stopped playing silly buggers and allowed the Council to seriously engage with the Regional Water Assessment process.