Chillagoe Water Restrictions Lifted

Mareeba Shire Council has lifted Level 3 Water Restrictions in Chillagoe for the first time since September 2017.

This long, dry wait was required as the water supply through the existing bores struggled to meet the minimum service requirements.

Chillagoe Alliance President, John Nethery, welcomed the news.

“Chillagoe has waited patiently for these restrictions to be lifted and we are incredibly relieved to hear this news. Small businesses and mining, tourism and beef are the mainstays of the economy.  Water security is vital for these industries and for the wellbeing of the community,” Mr Nethery stated.

Councillor Kevin Davies explained, “Council implemented Level 3 water restrictions almost 5 years ago as the town’s drinking water supply did not meet the minimum requirements and the town was at risk of running out of water in times of disaster.”

The town was previously serviced by two 190 kilolitre water reservoirs which were leaking, and a bore which was running dry. The new reservoir has an increased capacity of 500 kilolitres and the new bore provides a reliable water supply to the town.

The Mareeba Shire Council Mayor, Angela Toppin, stated, “Council lobbied the Federal and State governments to secure funding to make improvements to this critical water infrastructure.”

Funding was received for two separate projects.

First, a $1.1m project for the installation of a new reservoir co-funded through the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Funding Program ($600k) and the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions Program ($450k).

Then a $2.115m project to install a new bore and pipeline which was funded jointly by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program ($425k) and the Queensland Recovery Authority (QRA) through their Local Economic Recovery (LER) Program ($1.69m).

“Residents and businesses can now enjoy security of water supply, without restriction for years to come” Mayor Toppin concluded.