SMEC starts work this month as Lead Consultant on the Business Case for the A$4 billion Hells Gates Irrigation Scheme in Northern Queensland, Australia.
This appointment comes after Townsville Enterprise formally received agreement from the Queensland State Government to unlock funds committed by the Federal Government to deliver the $24M Business Case for this once-in-a-generation project. The Hells Gates Irrigation Scheme has the potential to redefine Northern Queensland’s agriculture sector and underpin long term growth and investment.
As Lead Consultant, SMEC will be working within a consortium of local businesses over the next three years, providing technical expertise to deliver a detailed business case. SMEC is well positioned to contribute to the next stage of this project, having delivered the Hells Gates Feasibility Study in 2018, which supported the viability of the scheme.
The Hells Gates Business Case will assess environmental impacts and cultural heritage interests, as well as investigate the design and development of the Hells Gates Dam and Irrigation Scheme in Charters Towers, North Queensland, along with transportation links to Townsville.
SMEC’s Market Director Graeme Pollock added that commencing the next stage of this mammoth project is excellent news for the region.
“We’re looking forward to collaborating with Townsville Enterprise and our specialist project partners to successfully deliver this business case, with the aim of providing jobs and water security, and opening untapped agricultural opportunities for North Queensland”.
