Mayor Antonio welcomes State Govt plan for Darling Downs water assessment

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio has welcomed the State Government’s commitment to include the Darling Downs (including the Southern Downs area) as one of three regional water assessment projects.

The State Government has committed funding to undertake regional water assessments in the wider Tablelands area, the Burnett and Bundaberg area as well as the Darling Downs, Southern Downs and surrounding areas.

Mayor Antonio said on behalf of Toowoomba Regional Council he was pleased to hear that work would proceed on critical water assessments.

“The Toowoomba Region will gladly collaborate where possible to determine the best options for our long-term water security,” Mayor Antonio said.

“I know the fellow members of the newly formed Southern Queensland Inland and New South Wales Border Regional Water alliance (SQINB-RWA) will welcome the news and I would anticipate that the new group’s chair also will be involved in the study in some fashion.

“Improved water security is imperative for our growing region and the wider member Councils if we are to fully leverage the opportunities for growth and economic activity that are slated for this area, particularly from private sector investors.

“The inaugural meeting of the new Alliance agreed that the priority for the group was the mapping of our current water situation and potential future water supply options.

“I’m positive that we can work with the State Government to clearly define the need for urgent action to address our situation, especially regarding projects that can identify net economic benefits for Queensland.

“As one of the most productive agricultural areas in Australia, and given our broad economic base, we have delivered consistent economic growth across the past decade and are planning for sustained growth into the future.

“Viable water supply options will ensure we can achieve these goals and keep contributing to the state and national economies.”