“Yes” case education campaign to be fully funded

In another significant last minute announcement from City Hall, Mayor Dianne Thorley and Toowoomba City Council Chief Executive Officer Philip Spencer told reporters that their education campaign would receive state and federal funding.

In a letter addressed to Mr Spencer from the National Water Commission, CEO Ken Matthews states: “The Commission recognizes that there are sometimes significant preliminary costs incurred related to the implementation of a project.”

He further states that the standard funding agreement for Water Smart Australia projects provides for the reimbursement of expenditure prior to the promulgation of the agreement on agreed items identified in the project – such as community consultation activities.

“If the Water Futures project proceeds following a positive outcome of the poll, the Commission is therefore prepared to agree in principle to reimbursement of eligible community engagement costs for the project,” Mr Matthews said.

“We always knew that there was a strong likelihood of the money outlaid for community education being reimbursed, because it was a component of our submission to the National Water Commission,” Mr Spencer said.

“It will bring relief to the residents of Toowoomba to know that it is not their hard earned rates money that is being used to fund the ‘yes’ campaign.”

Mr Spencer also produced a letter from Premier Peter Beattie restating his commitment to assist Toowoomba and the Commonwealth to fund the Water Futures project.

The Premier echoed Mr Matthews’ sentiment in recognising the vital element community education plays in ensuring the successful implementation of a project.

“As such, my Government’s committement to help fund the implementation of this innovative project – which is valuable both in terms of addressing Toowoomba’s critical water supply needs and as a unique opportunity to investigate alternative supply arrangements throughout Australia – extends to community engagement and educational material,” Mr Beattie said in a letter faxed yesterday.

“The State and Federal Governments are behind Toowoomba 100%,” Mr Spencer said. “The message isn’t vote ‘yes’ or miss out on funding, Premier Beattie is acknowledging the important role education has to play. He is saying: I know it takes convincing and community education isn’t free – so that’s why my Government is offering to assist.”