The Queensland Government has announced it will “investigate” a new water supply pipeline for Warwick and surrounding communities.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said in a statement today, Tuesday 26 November, that a “potential new pipeline to deliver Wivenhoe Dam water to Warwick would be among options considered as part of a $1 million feasibility study into contingency water supply options, to be completed in consultation with local councils”.
“While water supply is a particular concern for a number of communities, I will not let Queensland families run out of drinking water,” the Premier said.
“We have already committed $2.4 million for infrastructure and $800,000 per month to transport water to Stanthorpe.
“With more than 15,000 residents and businesses depending on Warwick’s local water supply, carting water is not a practical option.
“Leslie Dam is down to less than 6 per cent capacity and it’s estimated that Warwick has a maximum of 14 months of supply based on the current predictions of below average rainfall.
“A pipeline from Wivenhoe Dam to Cressbrook dam already exists to augment Toowoomba’s water supply in times of drought.
“It makes sense to now explore whether it is feasible to extend the supply network to Warwick.
“By linking Warwick through Toowoomba to the South East Queensland Water Grid, we could significantly improve supply security to the city and those who depend on it.”
The Premier said Seqwater, operator of the South East Queensland Water Grid, would lead the study, reporting back to government on the preferred option by April 2020.
“Seqwater has the right expertise to undertake the feasibility study in close cooperation with the Toowoomba Regional Council and the Southern Downs Regional Council,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Since this drought crisis began in 2013, the Queensland Government has committed more than $740 million to deliver real, practical measures to the State’s drought-stricken communities.
“The impacts of drought are far reaching. It impacts employment across agriculture, retail, service and tourism industries and drives people away from rural communities.
“The Queensland Government is standing shoulder to shoulder with our primary producers and drought-stricken communities and we will continue to have their backs while this devastating drought continues.”
Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the pipeline option was only available to Warwick because of the foresight of past Labor governments.
“The south-east Queensland water grid, built by Labor, connects Wivenhoe Dam and 39 other dams and reservoirs,” he said.
“This makes SEQ’s water supply one of the most reliable in the country, and in turn, is now making this contingency water option potentially available to Warwick.”
Comment has been sought from the Southern Downs Regional Council.
More to come.
