Council’s positive step towards water security

Council has taken a big step forward towards water security by awarding a critical contract to a local business.

A local council have taken a crucial step forward in their bid for water security after locking in a contract for new infrastructure.

The Southern Downs Regional Council awarded a contract for the condition assessment of water and sewerage infrastructure this week.

Reservoirs, tanks, and sewerage pump stations will be the next priority because of the “critical” role they play in providing water and sewerage service.

The condition assessment will be performed by external contractor Hunter H2O with funding received from the Queensland Government Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.

The assessment will test 25 reservoirs and tanks and 34 sewerage pumps across the region.

The contractor will also make a number of recommendations and develop a ten-year capital works program and routine maintenance schedule.

Council will prioritise replacements and upgrades as appropriate and according to budget constraints.

Councillor Stephen Tancred said Council had a multi-pronged approach to securing the region’s future water supply.

“As part of our Water Contingency Plan, we are exploring short, medium and long term strategies for our current and future water supply,” Councillor Tancred said.

“The condition assessment of these critical water assets will provide vital information for Council to better maintain infrastructure and replace or upgrade where necessary.

“This will facilitate long term financial planning for water operations throughout the region and enable Council to make informed decisions with confidence.

“Despite some recent rains, our region has not fully exited this current drought, and it’s important we prepare for the next drought.

“Council continues to investigate all avenues to secure a sustainable water supply for the region.”

The assessment is expected to be completed by the end of April 2021.

A contract for the condition assessment of Council’s water and sewerage treatment plants was awarded in November 2019 under the same funding stream.