Cherbourg water supply set for massive upgrade with government funding

Residents of a regional Qld Indigenous shire have finally had their demands for better water met, hopefully bringing an end to the need to months-long stretches when they have to boil their own water for safety.

Cherbourg CEO Chatur Zala, Operations Manager Matt Bock and Mayor Bruce Simpson, . Image: Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council.

Cherbourg water woes are set to be a thing of the past, thanks to a $26 million funding boost for its water treatment system.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Mayor Bruce Simpson, accompanied by CEO Chatur Zala and Operations Manager Matt Bock, and marked the beginning of a long-awaited improvement to the town’s infrastructure.

This significant investment, provided by both the state and federal governments, will bring essential upgrades to the water treatment plant, new water pumps, improved filtration systems, and the construction of a holding reservoir near Bert Button Lookout.

The upgrade’s aim is to ensure Cherbourg’s 1800 residents receive safe, reliable drinking water, reducing the risk of further “boil water” alerts that have plagued the community in recent years.

The last “boil water” alert in Cherbourg lasting a staggering nine months.

Operations Manager Matt Bock, Cherbourg Mayor Bruce Simpson, and CEO Chatur Zala. Image: Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council.

The project will include the replacement of the 2km trunk main, at a cost of $14 million, and extensive optimisation of the 70-year-old filtration and chlorination systems.

The upgrades will bring Cherbourg’s water infrastructure up to modern standards, ensuring the community’s water security for the next 50 to 100 years.

While Cherbourg celebrates its funding win, other nearby communities, such as Kingaroy, are still facing their own water challenges.

Residents on social media have expressed frustration over the disparity in funding between Cherbourg and the South Burnett region, with some questioning why their own water issues haven’t been resolved as quickly.

Cherbourg CEO Chatur Zala, Operations Manager Matt Bock and Mayor Bruce Simpson, . Image: Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council.

South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff addressed the concerns, explaining that Cherbourg operates as a separate Indigenous council with different funding models.

“The air scouring is happening with the next six weeks which will help to improve the Kingaroy water,” Ms Duff said.

“We also just got news that we received just over $7 million for water storage for Kingaroy which will take pressure off using Gordonbrook and help us manage water quality.”

For Cherbourg, the $26 million investment signals a promising future, with work set to begin within the next six months.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Cherbourg Council highlighted that the investment will help keep the community “strong, healthy and connected.”

“Together, we’re building a brighter future,” the statement read.