SDRC receives slice of $3M in water security funding from Queensland Government
The funding windfall will be put towards investigating the region’s water needs, with hopes results could advance long-term projects.
Warwick
Don't miss out on the headlines from Warwick. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Southern Downs residents could be welcoming improvements to water security sooner than expected, thanks to a massive $3 million investment from the state government.
The funding windfall will be put towards a Darling Downs regional water assessment, with hopes the show of support could lead to a more in-depth water security study on the Southern Downs.
Members of the Southern Queensland Inland and NSW Border Regional Water Alliance voted at their most recent meeting in February to invite other entities to the group.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi and SDRC CEO Dave Burges were joined by representatives from the Toowoomba, Western Downs, Goondiwindi, Lockyer Valley, and Tenterfield Regional Councils.
Members of the Department of Premier and Cabinet and other major groups were also in attendance.
With the Regional Water Alliance now meeting on a regular rotational basis, Cr Pennisi said the next step was to bring other Southern Downs councillors to the table.
RELEVANT NEWS:
40MM+ RAIN: Rose City set for two-day drenching'
RATES CHANGES: When reforms will hit your back pocket
Warwick murder, shooting cases back before courts
"It is early days for the alliance, but in my view it is working very well already to open communication channels between regional stakeholders and government," Cr Pennisi said.
"I think it is important to ensure that councillors from the region in which a meeting is held are invited as observers, so they can meet the stakeholders and have a feel for the types of discussions being had."
Councillor Stephen Tancred urged residents and councillors alike to offer their "open and enthusiastic support" to the water alliance's efforts.
"Governing water resources is a long-term strategy and there can be many roadblocks in relation to state government allocations," Cr Tancred said.
"The 1060ML of surface water reserve from Accommodation Creek and Pikes Creek currently open for tender to (Southern Downs farmers) was released as a result of a 20-year process involving all levels of government."
A timeline for the water security assessment as not yet been confirmed.
Originally published as SDRC receives slice of $3M in water security funding from Queensland Government
‘Always smiled’: Elizabeth Struhs remembered as brave and cheeky
Elizabeth Struhs was a cheeky, caring and clever young girl who dreamt of becoming a doctor. It was a future robbed from her by her parents and their misguided belief that only God could heal.
Crisafulli steadfast in pussyfooting around ‘adult time’ for teen rapists
The Crisafulli Government is a step closer to making the next raft of changes to the Youth Justice Act, however Queenslanders are no closer to getting confirmation that the changes will include harsher sentences for juvenile rapists.
Saving this number could save your life
Police are calling on residents to save this vital number in their phones in the hope that it will help separate emergency alerts from the deluge of scam text messages that are the scourge of every phone user.
Minutes from disaster: Nearby store saved by retaining wall
The owner of a nearby business has revealed their shop was minutes away from going under after a fire broke out in a tobacco shop. Video and photos here.
Saleyard savants: Meet Qld’s top livestock auctioneers
From young prodigies, established leaders and esteemed stalwarts, the quality of Queensland’s livestock auctioneers is at an all time high. Meet the men driving one of our most important industries to new heights.
Traffic police target speeding hotspots as school year starts
It has been a tragic start to 2025 on our roads and police will be out in force this week to protect our most vulnerable road users as they toddle off for their first day of school.