Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has welcomed today’s announcement by the Queensland Government that it will continue to invest major funding into water security for the Darling Downs.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said Council was pleased to have some clarity on the proposed water pipeline after months of uncertainty.
“I welcome today’s announcement from the State Government,” Mayor Antonio said.
“Council will now need to carefully consider the information released today and will continue to work closely with the State Government to reach the best possible outcome for the Toowoomba Region as this project progresses.”
TRC Water and Waste Committee Chair Cr Rebecca Vonhoff pointed out that today’s announcement concerned preparatory works and not the pipeline’s construction. She added that TRC staff had assisted the State Government, contributing to the development of the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline Feasibility Report.
“The State Government’s commitment of $8.1M for preparatory works for the pipeline is for detailed design, surveying and geotechnical works,” Cr Vonhoff said.
“The feasibility study was commissioned in 2019 and is a key milestone. Now the report has been released Council can give it its full consideration.
“Council will continue to work with Queensland Government to increase water security for the Toowoomba Region and Darling Downs.
“We need to ensure that any past, present or future financial contribution our ratepayers are making or have made is addressed. We’ve got to make sure we do what’s in the best interests of our residents.”