$5.9 million for improved water security in Central Highlands

Under the new $211 million Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative, the Central Highlands Drinking Water Supply Program in Central Queensland will receive a $5.9 million boost.

This program will help upgrade two water treatment plants and will deliver supporting infrastructure, improving the reliability and quality of water supply to the towns of Bauhinia, Capella and Rolleston.

The project will also enable the use of recycled water for irrigation of community spaces, including a school and sporting ground.

Central Highlands Mayor Janice Moriarty welcomed the news.

‘The Central Highlands is a large rural region, so we need to be smart and use technology to improve drinking water quality and reliability in all corners of our council area,’ she said.

‘This funding is for an upgrade to the Bauhinia and Rolleston water treatment plants and the installation of new technology that allows council to monitor its water operations remotely.

‘This water project is expected to generate 5 new jobs, with the project planning to commence in November 2024 and expected to be completed by May 2027.’

The $5.9 million project is supported by $2.3 million from the Federal Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, $2.0 million from the Queensland Government and $1.6 million from the Central Highlands Regional Council.

The WISER initiative is supporting 23 projects to deliver more efficient and sustainable water use in regional communities across Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia.

Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said the Australian Government was committed to protecting water resources for the communities, industries, and environment that depend on them.

‘We’re pleased to partner with the Queensland Government and Central Highlands Regional Council to provide communities in the Central Highlands of Queensland with a more reliable water supply,’ she said.

Queensland Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said the Miles Labor Government continues to deliver for the people of the Central Highlands and Central Queensland.

‘This upgrade is about more than delivering critical water infrastructure, it’s a cost of living measure that will benefit the community long term,’ he said.

‘This funding is helping to put downward pressure on rates and water bills, while future-proofing the region’s water infrastructure and water supply resilience.’

Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm said the funding would deliver an additional 73 megalitres of water per year for sustainable community use in an area considered at high-risk from drought.

‘This crucial infrastructure project, which will improve the water capacity for so many across Central Queensland, has become a reality because of the collaboration between all tiers of government and the local community,’ he said.

‘Locals and farming communities in Bauhinia, Capella and Rolleston will all benefit from the increased capacity to use recycled water for irrigation across community spaces, including schools and sporting grounds.’