February 26, 2013
Today’s visit to the South Burnett by Queensland Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle has been postponed because of road closures.
A spokesman for the Minister told southburnett.com.au this morning the visit would be re-scheduled but no date had yet been fixed.
Mr McArdle had planned to discuss electricity and water supply issues with the South Burnett Regional Council.
Update February 27:
Although Minister McArdle was unable to make his planned trip to the South Burnett yesterday, improving conditions will allow him to complete the Toowoomba leg of his journey.
The Minister is expected to meet with Toowoomba Regional Council later today.
Discussions about the Wivenhoe Dam pipeline, which was built in 2009 when Toowoomba was in the grip of drought, are expected to feature strongly on the agenda.
The $187 million, 38km underground pipeline was completed on time and within budget, but the onset of rains meant its use was short-lived.
However its legacy – a “take or pay” contract which means the council must pay a penalty fee if it fails to meet minimum usage of the Wivenhoe water – has proven to be a burden on Toowoomba council’s finances.
Sources tip the council hopes to explore possible ways to gain more control over the pipeline’s input costs, in order to lower outlays until demand for the water rises again.
