Strengthened waste and utility services promised by Council

Communities across the Western Downs will continue to receive high quality essential services with Western Downs Regional Council committing over $6.1 million to waste and utilities in the 2020/21 Budget.

After adopting an extensive $50 million COVID-19 Recovery Package just three months ago, Council is continuing to support the community with additional waste and water projects this year.

Highlights include a dedicated $500,000 to construct a new Waste and Recycling Centre in Bell along with $1.7 million for water main, water meter and infrastructure replacements across the region.

Council Spokesperson for Utilities Councillor Peter Saxelby said the money devoted to these capital works would provide utilities assets for the region.

“As Council remains in a debt-free position, we have the funds to ensure our communities are receiving the best utilities services possible,” Cr Saxelby said.

“To help support water storage in the region particularly during drought, we are delivering a $250,000 project to raise the Condamine Weir by 600mm and upgrade the raw water pumps.

“We’re also ensuring that essential services are delivered region-wide, which is why we are programmed to deliver upgrades to water supply infrastructure at Brigalow and Condamine to the value of $100 000, along with $25,000 to deliver a new bore tank on the Dulacca tower.

“This means we’re dedicated to ensuring our essential systems such as sewerage and water infrastructure receive the upgrades needed to continue to provide high quality services to households across the region.

“Council has also committed $240,000 this year to modifications at the Jandowae Water Treatment Plant which will include a new switchboard, new water pumps and the installation of safety walkways and rails.

“We’re also excited to announce a Rainwater Tank Subsidy Scheme offering a rebate to Western Downs residents who install a rainwater tank on their property to ease pressures on water storage and promote drought resilience.”

Council Spokesperson for Planning and Environment Cr Andrew Smith said Council continued to invest in high-quality waste management across the region.

“The new Waste and Recycling Centre in Bell will also be a fantastic asset giving the Bell community a safer, modern facility with cleaner, more effective waste management services,” Cr Smith said.

“The maintenance of our waste and utilities infrastructure is vital in ensuring our residents have access to first class services every day so it will be great to deliver these common-sense projects for the community.”

For more information about capital works included in Council’s 2020-21 Budget visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au.

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Media Contact: Western Downs Regional Council Media Office 07 4679 4265