Introduction to water futures

Toowoomba City Council (TCC) has a vision for the city that brings together the social, economic and environmental issues that our community values. Over the next decade projects such as the second range crossing, the inland rail, Charlton Wellcamp Industrial Estate, Quarry Gardens, urban expansion and the Water Futures Project will make Toowoomba a much sought after destination in terms of lifestyle and business opportunities.

Toowoomba is Australia's largest inland regional city and is situated in the headwaters of the Murray Darling Basin.  Some 135,000 people live in the Greater Toowoomba Region including 95,000 within the Toowoomba City Council boundaries.

Toowoomba’s total annual metered water usage is approximately 14,000 Megalitres (ML).

Average residential water use is 210 litres/person/day in Toowoomba.  By comparison, the current South East Queensland regional average is 300 litres/person/day.  The people of Toowoomba are acting responsibly. However, total water use will continue to rise with increasing population and the associated industrial and economic development as TCC implements its vision for Toowoomba's future.

Over the last 20 years there has been a consistent decline in the average rainfall over our dam catchments.  This means that there is less runoff and less groundwater (below surface) recharge and therefore less water available for us to use.

TCC has been listening to the increasing level of community concerns about water supply over the last 5 years and has been identifying and evaluating all options for future supplies.

To meet the need for reliable water supplies in the future Council has been developing an integrated water management plan. It includes a range of council initiatives including;

• Continuing community education about using water wisely.
• Making rainwater tanks compulsory for all new buildings.
• Conducting a $35 million upgrade of the Wetalla Water Reclamation Plant.
• Allocating funds in the Council budget for a short to medium term increase in bore water supply.
• Applying to the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines for up to 5000ML/annum of additional water supply from the artesian basin.
• Allocating almost $1 million in Council’s 2005/2006 budget for enhanced water demand management strategies to be implemented commencing in 2005/2006.
• Ongoing implementation of water restrictions.  Level four water restrictions are currently in force throughout areas serviced by Toowoomba's water supply.  Level five water restrictions will be implemented when the dams usable storage level hits 20%.  With no significant rainfall it is likely they will reach this point in the second half of the year (2006).

TCC has been advised by the Queensland Government that approval for supply of water to Toowoomba from the Brisbane River system, which includes Wivenhoe Dam, or the construction of a new dam at Emu Creek, is highly unlikely as it would adversely impact on growth in other areas of South East Queensland.

TCC has lodged a submission for funding with the Australian Government Water Fund’s Water Smart Australia Program for a project that will help secure a safe supply of water to meet the future needs of Toowoomba and the region. The project draws on the best technologies currently being used in water reuse projects around the world and integrates urban, industrial, power, mining and agricultural supply and demand. Toowoomba will lead Australia with this combination of tried and tested technologies both in terms of addressing a pressing water supply problem and benefiting the environment.

It is proposed that the cost will be shared between TCC, Queensland Government, The Australian Government Water Fund and any private enterprise beneficiaries.  TCC has made provision for its contribution in its forward financial plans.

The evidence from around the world supports the business case for this project.  There are no issues that cannot be successfully addressed by current scientific knowledge and existing technologies.

Council has agreed that informing, educating and engaging our communities about this project is a very high priority.

Council has the support of CSIRO as a project partner to provide independent and highly skilled research and scientific advice.

The Project has the support of the Queensland State Government.

This project demonstrates Toowoomba City Council’s commitment to the people of the city and its region, and its commitment to providing the infrastructure necessary to encourage continued economic growth whilst minimising adverse environmental impacts.