Toowoomba Water Futures Project

July 1, 2005

Toowoomba Water Futures Project

Toowoomba City Council has unveiled its new Toowoomba Water Futures initiative, which includes a submission to the Federal Government for funding support.

The project is a culmination of careful planning to help ensure the sustainability of the future water supply to Toowoomba and its surrounding areas.  It will also reduce salinity in the Murray Darling catchment system.

Mayor of Toowoomba City, Councillor Dianne Thorley launched the project stating that there is no single solution but a range of solutions necessary to address the challenges of a sustainable water supply.

“This is about making our water supply safe and sustainable and secure for current and future generations,” said Councillor Thorley.

The project includes construction of a best practice advanced water treatment plant to provide a reusable water source.  The purified water will be reclaimed into Lake Cooby, one of Toowoomba’s three water storages.

The project has received strong support from the Federal Member for Groom, the Honourable Ian Macfarlane, the Queensland Premier, the Honourable Peter Beattie, and all three local Members of State Parliament.

Many local Governments have acknowledged the project as a big step forward in water supply management.

Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane was at the media launch to show his support for the project as well as to launch the new Water Futures Website.

“It is about time Australians came to realise that water is our second most valuable resource after our people,” said Mr Macfarlane.

CSIRO’s Colin Creighton, Director of the ‘Water for a Healthy Country’ National Research Flagship has commended Toowoomba City Council for its proposed water reuse initiatives.

“We must use water wisely because there is no more water

“The need is urgent.

“The technology is available.

“Closing the loop in the water cycle is the next big step in Australia.

“Toowoomba City Council is setting a precedent for sustainable water management in Australia.

“Many other regional and metropolitan communities can look to Toowoomba as a model for their future water management programs.

“The initiative will deliver more available water in the world’s driest continent,” said Mr Creighton.

The entire project will cost approximately $68 million, and is anticipated to support economic development and new employment in the area.

The council has also committed to a short to medium term bore water supply option and further enhanced water demand management strategies.