April 8, 2024
A delegation from the South Burnett Regional Council met with government officials in Brisbane on Monday to discuss water security in the South Burnett.
The group spoke to Acting Director-General Linda Dobe and Acting Deputy Director-General Jarrod Crowley-Grimmond, from the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water.
“Sourcing a reliable water source for the South Burnett region is of upmost importance,” Mayor Kathy Duff said.
“In a region that is diverse and rich in agriculture, the ability to access additional water has become critical for public health and economic security.”
Council obtains its primary urban water supplies from Boondooma, Bjelke-Petersen and Gordonbrook dams as well as bores.
“With numerous residents concerned with water quality, putting the South Burnett’s critical priorities on the table is of high priority,” Cr Duff said.
A Council statement said the critical priorities were:
1. Assistance and funding to develop a detailed infrastructure plan to improve water security, raw water quality and upgrade treatment plants to meet health-based targets and improve water quality aesthetics for Kingaroy, Nanango, Wondai and Murgon;
2. Assistance with access to funding for a progressive acquisition of more high priority water allocations (from Boondooma Dam) to provide acceptable water security for Kingaroy and, ultimately, Nanango;
3. Funding to assist with the construction of the 150ML off-stream storage for Boondooma water at Gordonbrook Water Treatment Plant; and
4. Funding to support Acceptable Flood Capacity Upgrades for Gordonbrook Dam. The Gordonbrook Dam spillway upgrade project is a massive cost to Council with no direct benefit to water security.
“Ongoing conversations and advocacy will continue regarding the South Burnett region’s water security and to secure funding,” Cr Duff said.
