Future of water carting on the Southern Downs revealed

A Darling Downs town’s battle with a devastating drought has been eased with the deluge last week. But what does that mean for its water carting initiative?

Water carting trial began trucking water from Connolly Dam in Warwick to Storm King Dam in Stanthorpe. Photo: Southern Downs Regional Council.

It’s been years since Stanthorpe residents have witnessed a steady stream of water in Storm King Dam.

Years of water carting and desperately low water supply have plagued the town, but last week’s deluge all but resolved their water woes.

Storm King Dam now sits at 100 per cent, along with Connolly Dam.

But what does that mean for the future of the town’s water carting partnership with the State Government.

Southern Downs mayor Vic Pennisi said he thanked the Queensland Government for its generous support to fund water carting from Connolly Dam to Storm King Dam during one of the region’s most prolific droughts and said Council will consider relaxing current water restrictions and ceasing water carting.

“Water carting was a mammoth task that included many working parts and multiple stakeholders,” Cr Pennisi said.

“The Queensland Government has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us in weathering this devastating and historic drought, and the lifeline funding we gratefully received ensured that water continued to flow seamlessly from taps in Stanthorpe households during uncertain times.

“We simply can’t thank them enough.”

The mayor also said he commended the strength and resilience of the community as it navigated the drought, but said the battle with drought was not yet over.

“Council will meet at a special meeting on April 7 to vote on easing water restrictions but we must be mindful that our region will always be prone to drought,” Cr Pennisi said.

“With Storm King Dam now at a celebrated 100 per cent capacity, we will enter into discussions with the Queensland Government and water carting contractors to phase out water carting from Connolly Dam to Stanthorpe as early as next week.

“It is important the water is safe for human consumption. The transition process from one water source to another is complex and we will undertake regular testing of the treated water to ensure it continues to meet the Australian Standards.

“It is possible that Stanthorpe residents on the reticulated water network may initially notice some change in water quality and taste.”