Toowoomba Regional Council Proposes Water Security Initiatives

In the midst of the ongoing drought, Toowoomba Regional Council is proposing further water security initiatives for the Region.

At today’s Water and Waste Committee meeting, Councillors put forward recommendations which will assist with the conservation of water.

Water and Waste Committee Chair Councillor Nancy Sommerfield said the new initiatives would further encourage responsible use of water and help to relieve pressure on the existing potable water supplies.

“With the current drought showing no end in sight, we need to be looking at every opportunity available to us right now,” Cr Sommerfield said.

“One way of doing this is through a water tank rebate scheme. Council is considering a $1 million initiative that would provide a rebate to the first 3300 applications to retrofit water tanks, of at least 10,000 litres capacity, to existing houses that are connected to a Council reticulation scheme.

“The rebate scheme would be open from 1 January 2020 until 30 June 2020, finishing with an opportunity for Council to review the uptake from the scheme with the potential for Council to extend the program as part of next year’s budget considerations.

“This will help residents capture and use rainwater for domestic purposes, including gardening and to relieve pressure on potable water supplies, particularly within Council’s regional areas.

“Council will also send out an Expression of Interest for irrigators to supply ground water for Council use.

“It’s vital we continue to explore alternative water sources in relation to the purchasing of water allocations, whether that be for parks and recreation or dust suppression for construction activities as this will help us reduce strain on the underground aquifers.

“In addition to these initiatives Council is continuing to work with all levels of government to explore alternative water sources such as new dams, ground water allocations and manufactured water options.”

The recommendation was approved at the Water and Waste Committee meeting and will now go to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 19 November for endorsement.

For more information visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/water or contact Council on 131 872.