Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio, Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi concerned of cost, impacts of new water pipeline by Qld Government

A massive new water pipeline between Toowoomba and Warwick is being promised by the State Government. But the affected region’s mayors still have concerns.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio with Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Vic Pennisi.

Questions still remain over the cost and impacts of a new water pipeline between Toowoomba and Warwick, with each region’s mayor wanting further clarification from the State Government.

Community consultation began last week on the massive new infrastructure project, more than two years after it was first promised by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to the Southern Downs Regional Council at the height of a major drought season.

Ms Palaszczuk repeated the promise that it would not only give the Southern Downs extra water security, but also connect drought-affected communities like Clifton and Greenmount to bulk water.

But the Toowoomba Regional Council says it still doesn’t understand the full impacts of the plan on its own water, so much so that it last week delayed work on its own pipeline until it could get further information from the government later this year.

Mayor Paul Antonio said while he had respect for Water Minister Glenn Butcher, the council needed assurance the project would not affect the region’s current water allocation.

“It hasn’t been a well-informed decision-making process,” he said.

“They’re talking about the use of infrastructure belonging to the ratepayers and we have not got enough information on the table.

“There will be a long journey of discovery for the council before we sign a document — I’m looking forward to seeing the facts play out.”

Southern Downs mayor Vic Pennisi said he was looking forward to seeing the detail designs for the project, but said he was concerned about the potential cost for ratepayers.

“There is no guarantee it’s going to be delivered unless it’s affordable — at the end of the detailed business plan, everyone will know what’s going on,” he said.

“I would expect it will be before Christmas and possibly the second half of this year.

“I’m frightened we won’t be able to afford it — about $300,000 is a one per cent rate rise, so if it costs us $2m a year, that’s a seven per cent rate rise.”

However, Mr Pennisi said he appreciated the government’s pledge to a project of some form.

“One thing that is comforting is that the State Government is committed to finding a solution,” he said.