The Federal and Queensland governments have partnered with Longreach Regional Council to deliver a $18.6 million package of water infrastructure upgrades for the community.
As part of the $211 million Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative, the Longreach Water Security for Growth project will deliver infrastructure upgrades and water efficiency measures to secure sustainable long-term water security.
The town’s five weirs will be rebuilt, and the walls raised by a metre, with a fish passage installed for each. New water mains and household smart meters will also be installed.
Together this new infrastructure is expected to deliver an additional 900ML of storage and reduce water loss by 245ML per year. It will provide the region with a reliable and increased long-term water supply that improves liveability for residents, grows the productivity of its industries, and promotes local tourism.
The $18.6 million project is supported by $5 million from the Federal Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, $7 million from the Queensland Government and $6.6 million from Longreach Regional Council.
This significant investment follows the completion of Isisford Weir, funded by $1.2 million from the Queensland Government.
Council will commence construction for the project in 2024–25, with work to be scheduled around the summer wet season. The project is expected to generate 38 local jobs during construction and operation.
The WISER initiative is supporting 23 projects to deliver more efficient and sustainable water use in regional communities across Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia.
In an effort to help drive the nation’s transition to a circular economy, many of the projects will be powered by renewable energy, use recycled materials, and refurbish existing structures to reduce the construction footprint.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, said, “Every drop of water is precious and I’m very pleased to work with the Queensland Government and Longreach Council to deliver better water security for the Longreach community.
“Not only are we delivering better water security, these projects will also help native fish and the local environment.”
Local member for Longreach, Senator Nita Green, said that the Longreach town water supply services more than 2,900 residents as well as a significant transient population during the dry season, when demand is higher.
“This project will support the growth and prosperity of Longreach by securing the town’s water supply into the future,” Ms Green said.
“The cutting-edge leak detection system included in this project will address the excessive loss of water currently taking place.”
Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, said that this upgrade is about more than delivering upgraded water infrastructure – it’s a cost of living measure that will benefit the community long term.
“This funding is helping to put downward pressure on rates and water bills, while future-proofing the region’s water infrastructure and water supply resilience,” Mr Butcher said.
“I’m proud to work alongside the Australian Government and council to deliver this funding – I know how important water security is for Longreach community.”
Longreach Regional Council Mayor, Tony Rayner, said, “Living in some of the most dry and remote parts of Queensland makes achieving secure water supply a big challenge.
“In addition to the generous support provided by the Queensland and Australian governments, we have contributed $6.6 million over two years from our capital program to deliver this important project for our region.
“This vital investment from all three levels of government will see our weirs raised to create more instream storage and also introduce measures to help us achieve greater efficiency with our reticulated network so that we can provide a reliable supply to our growing population and tourism industry.”
Featured image: Cam Laird/shutterstock.com
