THE Goondiwindi region's water security has been strengthened by a $4.2m funding allocation from the Queensland Government.
The funding will reimburse Goondiwindi Regional Council for a number of projects already undertaken, including the establishment of new bores at Texas and Yelarbon, the initial installation of two new Great Artesian Basin bores in Goondiwindi, desilting the Yarrilwanna waterhole at Bungunya, and improvements to infrastructure at the water treatment facility at Yelarbon.
The funding will also support upcoming works including improvements to water treatment facilities in Inglewood and Goondiwindi, an additional pump and storage facilities at Toobeah, and the connection of the two newly-installed bores in Goondiwindi.
Goondiwindi Mayor Lawrence Springborg said council had been working closely with SunWater and the Queensland and NSW governments to identify water security solutions for the region and ensure supply for the Goondiwindi region during droughts.
"Goondiwindi Regional Council is committed to the short and long-term water security of communities across the Goondiwindi region," Cr Springborg said.
"Council has devoted significant resources towards ensuring that the essential infrastructure is in place to meet that aim.
"I have to thank the Queensland Government for their partnership and financial support as we've put this plan in place to secure the region's water supply."
I have to thank the Queensland Government for their partnership and financial support as we've put this plan in place to secure the region's water supply.
- Goondiwindi Mayor Lawrence Springborg
Natural Resources Minister Anthony Lynham said following some of the driest years on record, the government and Goondiwindi Regional Council were committed to providing ongoing water security for the Goondiwindi region.
"For the nearly 11,000 Queenslanders who live in the Goondiwindi region, these measures will mean security for drinking water," Dr Lynham said.
The Goondiwindi region has been drought-declared since 2014.
The Glenlyon and Coolmunda dams that supply multiple Darling Downs communities and industries are currently 14 and 28 per cent, respectively.
Dr Lynham said that without rain, some of those communities had as little as six months' water supply available in storage.
"Our community is still facing the ongoing drought and water restrictions remain in place within our region," Cr Springborg said.
"Our residents continue to do their bit to conserve water to maximise the supply we have available."
Dr Lynham said the Queensland Government would continue to invest across the state to ensure that no town would go without drinking water.
