Toowoomba Regional Council has negotiated an extension of its current bulk water supply agreement, signalling confidence for the future growth of the region.
Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, signed the new Bulk Water Supply Agreement with Seqwater.
With water security one of the most pressing issues for further growth, Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Mayor, Paul Antonio, said the new agreement was crucial to the future of the region.
“As our population continues to grow, we’re often asked, ‘where will the additional water come from for the residents coming here to live?’” Mayor Antonio said.
“Not only will this help cater for additional residents moving to the region, it will provide confidence for industries who are identifying the Toowoomba Region as an area of real potential.”
Previously, Council had a ten-year agreement to pump water from Wivenhoe to Cressbrook Dam.
TRC Water and Waste Committee Chair Cr, Rebecca Vonhoff, said Council had negotiated a longer agreement with Seqwater.
“Securing water for a longer time frame was essential to us in our negotiations. I’m pleased to announce this agreement will be for 30 years, with further options available to extend this out to 50 years,” Cr Vonhoff said.
“In terms of our water allocation, we’ll be able to continue pumping up to 10,000ML of raw water each year.
“Additionally, we’ve secured an option where we can seek additional allocation each financial year. This is a terrific outcome for our residents.
“Water is our number one priority in the Toowoomba Region. We know more work is needed on our long-term water security and this new agreement with Seqwater is crucial in that long-term plan.
“In recent weeks we’ve had good rainfall throughout the region, with our combined dams reaching a combined 42.8 per cent.”
With the new agreement now in place, Toowoomba Region will join a number of other local government authorities connected to the Seqwater water network.
