Mount Isa gains recycled water through Royalties for the Regions

Mount Isa’s access to recycled water is set to improve after council’s Round 3 Royalties for the Regions successful funding application was announced.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Queensland Government had committed $500,000 toward works at Mount Isa’s sewage treatment plant that would improve recycling of water and environmental standards.

“The Mount Isa sewage treatment plant is a critical piece of infrastructure that provides recycled water to help meet the water supply needs of the community and industry,” Mr Seeney said.

“Providing funding toward the Stage 2 works, which are ultimately part of a three-stage $6 million upgrade of the plant, will help to make Mount Isa less dependent on its primary water sources Lake Moondarra and Lake Julius.

“It delivers on our election commitment to provide better infrastructure in regional Queensland, which was neglected by Labor for so many years and demonstrates a strong plan for the whole of Queensland.

“Mount Isa City Council is contributing $5,500,000 to the project which will ultimately increase drinking water supplies and build community and industry resilience.

“When completed, this project will provide recycled water reticulation for landscaping and city beautification projects and dust suppression during construction work.”

Mount Isa City Council Mayor Tony McGrady said he was delighted Mount Isa had received Royalties for the Regions Round 3 funding.

“Although Mount Isa missed out in previous funding rounds, we took on board the Deputy Premier’s comments and adjusted our application,” Mr McGrady said.

“We further met with senior officers of the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and were able to articulate the reasons why our submission deserved government support.

“The Deputy Premier’s support of our submission has restored my faith in the Royalties for the Regions program.”   

[ENDS] 16 May 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744