The Queensland government has made a $2.49 million contribution towards a water recycling project. State local government minister Stirling Hinchliffe turned the first sod on the project in Warwick, which he said would be game-changer for water supply in the region.
Hinchliffe said that the $5 million project is vital to secure the future of water supply in the Southern Downs region.
“It will deliver a new water reservoir to supply industry with recycled water, along with a new pump station,” he said.
“The project will also extend the existing effluent pipe to Warwick’s industrial estate and upgrade the Warwick Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“It will result in a low-cost water supply for established Warwick businesses and future users.
“Water security is critical to the development of this drought-affected region.
“By reducing the Warwick Industrial Estate’s reliance on potable clean drinking water, this valuable resource will be available for other purposes.”
The Recycled Water for Warwick Industry project is being supported with $2,489,906 from the Palaszczuk Government’s $295 million Building Our Regions initiative and $2,489,908 from Southern Downs Regional Council.
Council estimates the project will create 19 jobs during construction and one ongoing job for maintenance and operation.
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Tracy Dobie said water security is key to the development of the region.
“This pipeline plays a key role in building the region’s resilience to drought and provides an alternative water source for the industrial estate, helping to conserve precious water supplies for the community,” Dobie said.
“This is a huge project that will deliver a range of long-term benefits to our community, generate jobs in the region during construction, and deliver a significant boost to our local economy.”