Goondiwindi Regional Council announces huge water safety upgrade plan for southwest towns

A southwest regional council has announced a massive plan to boost the water safety in two regional centres in an effort to be ‘dedicated’ to the project, expected to be complete by next year.

A drone image of Goondiwindi.

A southwest regional council has announced a massive plan to boost the water safety in two regional border communities, with the project expected to be complete by next year.

Goondiwindi Regional Council has entered the design phase of a $260,000 project to improve the quality of drinking water in the Yelarbon and Talwood communities, west of Stanthorpe.

The Yelarbon and Talwood Water Treatment Plants will undergo upgrades to improve capabilities in maintaining consistent water quality standards.

This project ensures that the water supplied to residents meets all necessary consumption standards, reinforcing GRC’s commitment to public health and safety.

New features of the upgrades will include installing new reservoir mixers at both sites, new chlorine system for the Yelarbon reservoir and modifying the existing chlorination system for the Talwood reservoir.

The council says these upgrades will enhance the network chlorination for each town, ultimately improving the water quality and the disinfection processes, especially during periods of low demand.

The project is funded by both the 2022-2024 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program with a funding contribution of $156,000 and Goondiwindi Regional Council which has put in $104,000 for the infrastructure upgrades.

Goondiwindi mayor Lawrence Springborg AM, said the regional council is “committed to prioritising public infrastructure”.

“Ensuring the safety and reliability of the potable water supply to Talwood and Yelarbon is of paramount importance to council,” Mr Springborg said.

“Recognising water as a precious resource, we are dedicated to delivering enhanced water quality, benefiting both communities.”

Goondiwindi councillor Rick Kearney confirmed on Monday that previous vital infrastructure projects “had seen improved water across the region at both Inglewood and Texas Water Treatment Plants as well”.

“These upgrades will provide long-lasting benefits to all the communities receiving these necessary upgrades in our region,” Mr Kearney said.

The project was expected to be complete in June 2024, with the upgrade not expected to interrupt any water supplies.

Originally published as Goondiwindi Regional Council announces huge water safety upgrade plan for southwest towns