Budget delivering water security for Longreach

• Crisafulli Government is delivering $7m to improve water security and supply for Longreach. 
• Budget investment will provide five new or upgraded weirs to be built on the Thomson River. 
• The investment is part of the Crisafulli Government’s Watertight Water Security Plan for regional and remote communities across the State.  

The Crisafulli Government is delivering $7 million in the Budget to build five new or upgraded weirs along the Thomson River to increase capacity and safeguard the town’s water supply as well as support the agricultural industry.  

The project – which delivers on a key election commitment - will also improve water efficiency, with ageing water mains set to be replaced and smart water meters installed across the network, as part of a targeted water leakage and losses improvement program.  

The Crisafulli Government’s $7 million investment will assist Longreach Regional Council to deliver the $18.6 million project, with the Federal Government also providing $5 million.  

The Budget boost is part of the Crisafulli Government’s Watertight Water Security Plan, reversing years of mismanagement by the former Labor Government who spent a decade failing to invest in any major water infrastructure projects.  

Premier David Crisafulli said the project would future-proof the Longreach community for decades to come. 

“This essential project is long overdue, we promised we would fund it during the election, and we are delivering it through our first Budget,” Premier Crisafulli said.  

“Water security is crucial for families and farmers in Western Queensland and these improvements won’t only increase supply but save the precious resource too.”  

Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the start of enabling works was a cause for celebration after years of Labor delays and mismanagement. 

“For a decade Labor failed to deliver any meaningful water infrastructure or provide water security for the people of Queensland,” Minister Leahy said. 

“With the Crisafulli Government, the people of Longreach finally have a government that is delivering for them, with water security and job creation. 

“Pre-construction works have commenced, and soon the community will experience the benefits of the new weirs.” 

Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said he was proud to deliver on this key election commitment for Western Queensland.