Interview with David Dowsett, ABC Wide Bay Breakfast

E&OE TRANSCRIPT
RADIO INTERVIEW
ABC WIDE BAY BREAKFAST
FRIDAY, 2 AUGUST 2024

SUBJECTS: Upgrades to Biggenden’s water treatment facilities; completion of the Torbanlea – Pialba Road upgrade; new role as Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

DAVID DOWSETT [HOST]: Well, let's face it, there's nothing quite like a glass of cool, clear drinking water. But in recent years, though, for residents in the Biggenden area, that experience has been complete with foul tasting water, leading to marks on the glass and car finishes, as well as irritation for those with sensitive digestive systems. Well, hopefully that's all changed as the Federal Government announces the opening of the upgraded water treatment plant and raw water reservoir in Biggenden. And on top of that, the Torbanlea – Pialba Road just got a whole lot safer. Plenty for Senator Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister Regional Development and the new baked Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, to spruik as he visits our region. Anthony Chisholm, good morning.

ANTHONY CHISHOLM [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: Good morning. David. Good to be with you and your listeners.

DOWSETT: So, in our region, I understand – well, firstly you're in Biggenden in search for some quality drinking water.

CHISHOLM: I was, and I did try the drinking water. A very excited council and community, having had the upgrades made, and I understand that the quality of the water has been a problem there for a few years. So a really good project by the council and pleased to be there representing the Federal Government to see the upgrade first hand.

DOWSETT: The original water treatment plant was in dire straits. How will this upgrade make a difference?

CHISHOLM: Well, what it's done is it’s basically future proofed it, is my understanding. So it was quite expensive, a $7 million project of which the Federal Government contributed over five, and the council the rest. But what it's done is really brought it into the 21st century, and it means that it will be fit for purpose as they expand and get a bit more growth in that part of the world. This wastewater treatment plant will be there, be able to service the community into the future. So a really good project, and I got the sense that it means a lot to the local community.

DOWSETT: So, our community concerns about hard water and the potential health impacts, that's all in the past now?

CHISHOLM: That's right. I was happy to share a glass of water with the councillors there, and they're really determined to ensure they spread that message across the community to know that it is good quality drinking water, and I certainly enjoyed a glass of it.

DOWSETT: And so, to road safety upgrades at Torbanlea – Pialba Road – what's changed there?

CHISHOLM: So that project is now complete. I understand that it has been work which started a long time ago and is finally finished, so I do thank the community for their patience. But what they get out of it now is an improved road safety and also flood resilience as well. So, it has been an important project, and it's one that I'm looking forward to getting out and having a look at.

DOWSETT: Are you confident that the flood improvements can actually withstand whatever mother nature throws in it?

CHISHOLM: Well, you don't want to question the weather in Queensland, and we know that it can be quite devastating in many parts of regional Queensland. But the scope of the project was to include the flood upgrades, so to ensure that it is more resistant to the weather. And we do know that during the construction phase that there was 1.6 metres of rain falling on site whilst that was done. So it does attract a lot of water there, but I'm sure this project will ensure that those flood risks are mitigated

DOWSETT: And you're also now the Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. What do you hope to bring to that role?

CHISHOLM: Yeah, I had a really good opportunity whilst I was in Biggenden to go meet with Ben Rackemann and have a chat about his farm where his family have been in the peanut business in that part of the world for about 80 years, and it also has some grain crops as well. And I really want to get out and about and listen as much as I can – particularly in Queensland, where it is such an important part of the economy – but ensuring that the Federal Government is doing what we can to make farms more productive, give them more opportunity to sell their produce and ensure that it can be a thriving sector for decades to come, because we know how important it is to many parts of the Queensland economy.

DOWSETT: Are there any particular issues you're really looking to focus on?

CHISHOLM: I really want to ensure that we're getting as much access to markets as possible for us to sell our produce, our cattle, etcetera, so that'll be a focus for me. Obviously, working with Julie Collins as the Cabinet Minister as well, and we know that there's enormous opportunity to expand and grow the agriculture sector and how important it is. So we want to ensure that we're working with the peak bodies and have our ear to the ground, and are listening to the local community as well.

DOWSETT: Anthony Chisholm, enjoy your time in our region. Thanks very much.

CHISHOLM: Thanks, David. Good to be with you.