The two organisations, who boast significant experience in sustainable water use and Reef protection, have lodged their objection to the proposed $130.5 million project.
"We believe the environmental impacts of this project – particularly the threats posed to the Reef and coastal turtles, dolphins and dugongs – are gravely underestimated by SunWater in its Environmental Impact Study," WWF-Australia Reef Catchments Manager Piet Filet said.
"You cannot have transformation of this scale without dire, broadscale consequences for the environment."
The proposed ‘Water for Bowen’ project, developed by the Queensland Government owned corporation SunWater, plans to redirect water from the Burdekin River across the coastal plain to Bowen via a 130km long channel and pipeline system.
The increased water supply would be used to boost major industrial activity in the area, including at Abbot Point coal terminal, and would also lift urban and agricultural water use in the region.
Further concerns outlined by WWF-Australia and the QCC include:
- a failure to take into account the cumulative impacts of all the proposed regional developments that would result from this "trigger" project, such as the development of an industrial area and port expansions;
- a failure to take into account recent (2009) legislation to improve water quality in the Reef and its catchment areas;
- the use of an overland, open channel delivery mechanism that is at odds with national and international efforts to minimise unnecessary water evaporation;
- interruption of key habitat areas for local wildlife;
- an absence of water quality reports by James Cook University commissioned by SunWater;
- the likely destruction of vital wetland areas to make way for increased development;
- the likely interruption of vital wildlife habitat corridors as a result of the canal.
"This project is neither feasible nor responsible for the community or the ecological future of the Bowen area and should not be allowed to proceed," said Queensland Conservation Executive Director Toby Hutcheon.
More information
Dr Piet Filet, WWF-Australia Reef Catchments Manager, WWF-Australia,
Mobile: 0407 711 262
Charlie Stevens, WWF-Australia Queensland Media Manager, WWF-Australia,
Mobile: 0424 649 689