The first sod was turned on a new water recycling project that aims to secure supply for Queensland’s drought-affected Southern Downs region.
The project will deliver a new water reservoir to supply industry with recycled water, along with a new pump station.
It will also extend the existing effluent pipe to Warwick’s industrial estate and upgrade the Warwick Wastewater Treatment Plant.
This will result in a low-cost water supply for established Warwick businesses and future users.
Queensland Local Government Minister, Stirling Hinchliffe, turned the first sod on the project.
“This $5 million project is vital to secure the future of water supply in the Southern Downs region,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“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 $2.49 million from the Queensland Government’s $295 million Building Our Regions initiative and $2.49 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,” Cr 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.”
