Morrison government committed $5.9bn for dams without advice from water infrastructure board

Morrison government has approved funding for two Queensland dams, including one at Urannah Creek which has had questions raised over its economic benefits. Photograph: Jeff Tan

The Morrison government has allocated $5.9bn to build two separate north Queensland dams without seeking any input from an advisory board it established less than two years ago to scrutinise major water projects.

Commitments to fund the Hells Gates and the Urannah dams – proposals pitched at voters in bellwether Queensland electorates – have been made in the past week.