Southern and Darling Downs Regional Water Assessment concludes, Southern Downs Regional Council refers issue to state government

The fate of Stanthorpe’s future water security now awaits a vital decision from the Queensland government. Full details here.

Aerial above the rapidly receding Storm King Dam at Stanthorpe which supplies the town water, during a horrific drought in 2019. Photo Lachie Millard

The future of Stanthorpe’s water security now lies in the hands of the Miles government after an assessment of future options wound up.

In November 2023 community consultation began on the Southern and Darling Downs Regional Water Assessment for residents to have their say on the future water security options identified for the region.

As a town that has continuously verged on complete drought, finding a solution to the lack of urban and agricultural water supply is more important than ever for the people of Stanthorpe.

The controversial Emu Swamp Dam project, originally proposed in 2019, came to a halt last year leaving residents disappointed in both state and federal government.

The projects’ proponent Granite Belt Water Limited has since fallen into liquidation.

Stanthorpe’s future water security remains hanging in the balance as the Queensland Government works to made its recommendations. Photo Lachie Millard

The future water security options identified for the Granite Belt in the draft assessment included;

• Developing an on-farm dam evaporation saving initiative

• Continuing to explore the Granite Belt Irrigation Project (Emu Swamp Dam)

• Commencing a detailed business case for the Warwick to Stanthorpe Pipeline, subject to project development outcomes of Emu Swamp Dam

Following the completion of the regional water assessment, a motion was presented during a recent Southern Downs Regional Council meeting to progress the findings to the state government.

It comes after the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water presented a briefing of the assessments findings to council.

A motion was put forward by mayor Melissa Hamilton outlining council’s position to further advocate to the state government on a number of options as a result of the regional water assessment.

Mayor Melissa Hamilton (Photo: Michael Hudson)

The motion sparked debate during councillors’ declarations of conflict at the beginning of the meeting as to whether Ms Hamilton should be present for the consideration of the motion given her opposition to the Granite Belt Irrigation Project.

In addressing this Ms Hamilton said in full transparency that she had not been involved in any committees, boards or has any other personal involvement in the Emu Swamp Dam project.

It was ultimately decided Ms Hamilton could be present in the room during the discussion, however would not take part in the formal vote.

In discussing the motion a recommendation was put forward by councillor Joel Richters, to amend item three to now state council “acknowledge and encourage” further project development work on the Emu Swamp Dam project.

The councillors unanimously agreed in favour of the motion, reiterating it was a community issue that required continued advocacy to ensure it was not left to fall below the waistline.

Originally published as Southern and Darling Downs Regional Water Assessment concludes, Southern Downs Regional Council refers issue to state government