Toowoomba Water Supply Task Force seeks public submissions

The Toowoomba Water Supply Task Force is calling for interested people to submit their ideas on options for securing additional water supply for Toowoomba and its surrounding areas.

Water Minister and Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said the Task Force has already identified a number of new supply measures, but it was keen to see what other ideas and possible solutions were out there worthy of consideration as well.

The options already identified include,

·accessing groundwater from the Condamine alluvium;

·Oakey Creek groundwater;

·recycling for non-potable uses to offset existing potable supply;

·obtaining supply from existing dams including Wivenhoe, Boondooma or Coolmunda;

·increased access to the Great Artesian Basin;

·increased access to the Toowoomba basalt resource;

·supply from new dam proposals; and

·treating and piping to Toowoomba of Western Downs coal seam gas water

“The severe drought and the projected growth in the Toowoomba region have highlighted the limitations of the region’s current water supplies,” Mr Shine said.

“It is important that the preferred direction for water development emerge from an examination of the widest possible range of supply options.”

“To date the Task Force has been working on establishing a shared understanding of the bigger picture and changing scene that is now influencing the water supply planning process for Toowoomba.”

“Extending the planning horizon for Toowoomba region’s water supply from 2040 to 2050 will ensure it is more consistent with the water supply planning for south-east Queensland.”

“While this does not make the job of securing new water for a growing Toowoomba area any easier it does highlight the need to ensure that all bases are covered in the assessment exercise.”

The Task Force is seeking to be in a position to provide advice to the Government with respect to the future of Toowoomba’s water supply by December.

People who wish to make a submission are encouraged to do so by 17 November 2006. Submissions should be forwarded to:

Mr Phil Sternes

Executive Officer

Toowoomba Water Supply Task Force

Department of Natural Resources and Water

PO Box 318

Toowoomba

Q 4350

Further information in relation to this public call can be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources and Water by contacting Mr Sternes on 46881045.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3896 3689 or 0418 197 350

kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au