TRC approves future Water Security Initiatives

Amid the ongoing drought, Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has approved two water security initiatives for the Region.

TRC 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 will now look at implementing 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 scrutinised under the budget review process to ensure that it was financially responsible to implement.

“If it fits into the budget, the water tank rebate scheme would be open for six months from early January 2020.

“Council would have the opportunity to review the uptake of the scheme and potentially extend the program as part of the 2020/21 Council budget.

“A rebate scheme would help residents capture and use rainwater for domestic purposes, including gardening and relieve pressure on potable water supplies, particularly within Council’s regional areas.”

Cr Sommerfield said that as a further water security measure Council agreed to advertise for Expressions of Interest for irrigators to supply groundwater for Council use.

“When advertised, existing holders of water allocations would be able to express interest in either selling their allocation or entering seasonal water assignment agreements will assist,” Cr Sommerfield said.

“It is vital we continue to explore alternative new water sources and the purchasing of water allocations, whether that be for parks and recreation or dust suppression for construction activities will help reduce the strain on our underground aquifers.

“In addition, Council will continue to work with all levels of government to explore alternative water sources such as new dams, groundwater allocations and manufactured water options.”

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