The State Government continues to support drought-stricken border communities, with $4.2 million allocated to the Goondiwindi region's future water security and growth.
Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said that 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.
"Queensland has an economic strategy for recovery that includes $50 billion worth of infrastructure," he said.
"For the nearly 11,000 Queenslanders who live in the Goondiwindi region, these measures will mean security for drinking water.
"Like any infrastructure investment we make, we will be seeking the best possible opportunities for investment and employment for locals."
The Queensland Government will contribute $4.2 million and work with Goondiwindi Regional Council to implement its water security plan by mid-2021.
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 State Government funding will also support upcoming works in the region, including improvements to infrastructure at the water treatment facilities in Inglewood and Goondiwindi, an additional pump and storage facilities for the Toobeah community, and the connection of the two newly-installed bores in Goondiwindi.
The Glenlyon and Coolmunda dams that supply multiple Darling Downs communities and industries are currently 14 and 28 percent, respectively. Dr Lynham said that without rain, some of those communities had as little as six months' water supply available in storage.
Mayor of the Goondiwindi region the Honourable Lawrence Springborg AM said Council had been working closely with Sunwater and the Queensland and New South Wales 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, and 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.
"The Goondiwindi region has been drought-declared since 2014 – our community is still facing the ongoing drought and water restrictions remain in place within our region. Our residents continue to do their bit to conserve water to maximise the supply we have available."
Dr Lynham said the latest measures followed previous water security support for Goondiwindi Regional Council last year.
"We have been working closely with Council for some time to drought-proof the Goondiwindi region. In 2019, we facilitated water releases from Glenlyon Dam to ensure there was more water to go around for both the community and its businesses," Dr Lynham said.
"The Queensland Government will continue to invest across the state to ensure that no town will go without drinking water."
