NQ Water Chairman Ian Hamilton today welcomed the announcement by ALP candidate, Anita Phillips, that Federal Labor will commit $14m towards the Ross River Dam Upgrade, if elected.

Labor's announcement follows NQ Water's request to the major parties in the federal election last week to make a funding commitment to the project.

Mr Hamilton called on the Prime Minister to declare the Government's position on funding the upgrade, now that the opposition has shown its hand.

"Without federal funding, important NQ Water projects to cater for future growth in the region may be pushed back," he said.

NQ Water is faced with funding one-third of the Ross River Dam Upgrade, after the State Government announced in December last year that it would fund two-thirds of the total cost of the upgrade.

The upgrade project is expected to cost between $60m and $90m.

NQ Water had made a commitment to absorb its share of the costs.

"Our customers will not be asked to share the burden," said Mr Hamilton. "We expected to pay around ten per cent of the upgrade costs but all levels of government need to recognise their responsibilities.

"Securing a safe bulk water supply for the residents of Townsville and Thuringowa is NQ Water's top priority," he said.

"We are happy to work with Governments at all levels and political persuasions to ensure that we achieve this outcome."

© 2003 NQ Water