Longreach in Central West Queensland is set to benefit from a $18.6 million water infrastructure boost, as part of the new $211 million Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative.
The Federal Government has partnered with the Queensland Government, local councils and community groups to deliver local water infrastructure projects across the state.
The Longreach Water Security for Growth project will deliver infrastructure upgrades and water efficiency measures to secure sustainable long-term water security.
The town’s five weirs will be rebuilt, and the walls raised by a metre, with a fish passage installed for each. New water mains and household smart meters will also be installed.
“Living in some of the most dry and remote parts of Queensland makes achieving secure water supply a big challenge,” said Longreach Regional Council Mayor, Tony Rayner (pictured).
“In addition to the generous support provided by the Queensland and Australian governments, we have contributed $6.6 million over two years from our capital program to deliver this important project for our region.
“This vital investment from all three levels of government will see our weirs raised to create more instream storage and also introduce measures to help us achieve greater efficiency with our reticulated network so that we can provide a reliable supply to our growing population and tourism industry.”
The new infrastructure will deliver an additional 900 megalitres of storage and reduce water loss by 245 megalitres per year.
The $18.6 million project is supported by $5 million from the Federal Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, $7 million from the Queensland Government and $6.6 million from Longreach Regional Council.
Council will commence construction for the project in 2024-25, with work to be scheduled around the summer wet season. The project is expected to generate 38 local jobs during construction and operation.
“This upgrade is about more than delivering upgraded water infrastructure, it’s a cost of living measure that will benefit the community long term,” said Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher.
“This funding is helping to put downward pressure on rates and water bills, while future-proofing the region’s water infrastructure and water supply resilience.
“I’m proud to work alongside the Australian Government and council to deliver this funding – I know how important water security is for Longreach community.
“When Councils need us, we always deliver – unlike the LNP who would rather cut funding from Councils, claiming they were ‘sitting on a gold mine’– and that was somehow some excuse to cut.”
The WISER initiative is supporting 23 projects to deliver more efficient and sustainable water use in regional communities across Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia.
