Works to improve water security for communities across the Goondiwindi region have been completed thanks to a $2 million investment from the Palaszczuk Government.
Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Glenn Butcher said the works are an important part of improving the region's drought resilience and reducing the risk of communities experiencing urban water supply shortages.
"When the Palaszczuk Government stepped in with funding in 2020, the Darling Downs was experiencing the driest year on record and all of Goondiwindi's communities were facing water shortages," Mr Butcher said.
"Recent rain has given the region a reprieve, but you only need to look at the ongoing drought in other areas of the state to understand the situation could have been quite different for Goondiwindi.
"Temporary good fortune shouldn't be the only thing standing between our regional communities and reliable water security – that's why we've invested in these projects that provide long-term water security."
"The Queensland Government's funding has allowed Council to improve water security for Goondiwindi, Texas, Yelarbon, Inglewood, Bungunya and Talwood. This includes establishing new bores, improving water treatment and storage, and providing access to additional supplies.
"Combined, the works will considerably reduce the likelihood of any community in Goondiwindi running out of water in future droughts."
The Hon. Cr Lawrence Springborg AM, Mayor of Goondiwindi Regional Council said Queensland Government funding had been vital to keeping communities from running out of water.
"Thanks to this significant investment by the state government, Council has been able to improve the water supply infrastructure in every single town in our water supply area over the past two years," Cr Springborg said.
"As a result, the region's water supply is now vastly more secure and we are far better prepared for future times of drought.
"We are extremely grateful to the Queensland Government for their investment in the Goondiwindi Region. Thanks to their support, we were able to make sure that no town was left dry - even during one of the worst droughts on record."
Mr Butcher said that while Goondiwindi has been declared drought-free for the first time since 2014 it was essential that all levels of government continued to plan for future water security.
"The best time to prepare for the next drought is today, and with support from the Palaszczuk Government Goondiwindi and its surrounding towns are well prepared for the future."
