HELLS GATES DAM & BIG ROCKS WEIR

HELLS GATES DAM

In May 2022, Townsville Enterprise delivered the final Detailed Business Case for Hells Gates Dam and Irrigation Scheme. This final milestone for the project was the culmination of three years of project work led by Townsville Enterprise and delivered in collaboration with SMEC and KPMG.

The Detailed Business Case was funded by the Federal Government through the North Queensland Water Infrastructure Authority and managed by the State Government through the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water. It brought together detailed technical studies, market testing, economic feasibility, and cultural and social impacts.

The Detailed Business Case demonstrates the projects viability, ultimately proposing a Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.05 and a potential economic injection of $6B to the region as well as 3,300 new jobs.

Market assessment was also undertaken with a direct market demand study conducted with existing landholders and twenty of Australia’s largest agricultural investment firms.

The research and engagement confirmed that there is sufficient demand for land and water offerings.

21|22 HIGHLIGHTS

Milestone 8 (100% reference design) and Milestone 9 (Draft Business Case) delivered 31 January 2022

Milestone 10 (Final Detailed Business Case) delivered 6 May 2022 to State Government The Morrison Federal Government announced a $5.4B funding package to build the nationally significant Hells Gates Dam Project on 23 March 2022 with commitment out past the current estimates

CURRENT STATUS

• The business case is completed and is available on the Townsville Enterprise website. • Advocacy continues for water security for North Queensland after the new government withdrew the commitment.

Working together with Townsville Enterprise and Tourism and Events Queensland on the Transformational Experiences Mentoring Program has provided us with a professional insight into improving the way we do business through a knowledgeable and experienced mentor. Through periodic consultation, our mentor made us accountable for highlighted changes which needed to be made in order to improve the client experience from booking to coming onboard with Wild Hinchinbrook Adventures.

The connections I made with fellow mentees in the program has also allowed me to make changes to my business that better suit my lifestyle and ultimately make the booking journey easier for future customers. It was a great learning opportunity and we will continue working with TEL to promote our business and the Townsville North Queensland Region.

BEN WESTON WILD HINCHINBROOK ADVENTURES