$370m Funding For Pipeline

January 24, 2023

The State Government has officially approved more than $370 million for the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline and an upgrade of the Wivenhoe Dam Pumping Station.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Cabinet had locked in the final funding amount on Monday.

Major construction could now begin this year.

Water Minister Glenn Butcher said pre-construction activities, including environmental and native title approvals, have already begun.

“The next stage of early works will include geotechnical works, final route determination, landowner engagement, and final detailed design,” Minister Butcher said.

The funding also includes upgrades to the Wivenhoe Pump Station to boost existing capacity, construction of new water treatment facilities to service communities along the pipeline route, and installation of network monitoring to reduce losses.

“Toowoomba residents can be assured that this project will not impact their existing water supply,” Minister Butcher said.

The pipeline will carry raw water from Wivenhoe Dam and connect with Toowoomba Regional Council’s existing water infrastructure to deliver water to Warwick and will be an opportunity to deliver treated water to the Toowoomba region communities of Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby and Clifton.

Minister Butcher said Seqwater had delivered detailed designs for the pipeline and was working with stakeholders in preparing to move into the pre-construction phase.

The scheduled completion date is early 2027.

Toowoomba mayor Paul Antonio welcomed the funding announcement.

“This is a major project that will help build further redundancy in our water network,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Last November, Council supported the project, subject to several conditions.

“I’m pleased the State Government has listened to our needs and given assurances this project will not impact our existing water supply, which was a key concern for us.

“The government has also committed to upgrading the Wivenhoe Pump Station and other infrastructure that will help improve our water network.

“There will no doubt be many more conversations that need to happen throughout the delivery of the project. We will continue to work with the State Government on each step.”

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