WATER PROJECTS TO RAIN THROUGHOUT STATE: Fraser

6 February 2007

WATER PROJECTS TO RAIN THROUGHOUT STATE: Fraser

The Queensland Government is set to pump more than $4.5 million into 22 council projects aimed at reducing wastage of clean drinking water.

Local Government Minister Andrew Fraser today announced the funding, which will be used by 20 councils to undertake water loss prevention projects across their water networks.

“Councils are on the front line in the battle against the current drought and the State Government is committed to supporting them,” Mr Fraser said.

“This latest round of funding will be used by councils to implement a variety of water-saving initiatives.”

A snapshot of some of the projects shows the variety of water-saving ideas:

• CairnsCity will implement a high-tech monitoring system to identify leaking and or burst water mains so they can be isolated and fixed quickly

• IpswichCity will build a storage tank for recycled water which will then be available for irrigation and non-drinking uses

• In the central western region, three councils – Aramac, Jericho and Belyando – will undertake a range of projects, including targeting flow measurement and pipeline pressure

• Toowoomba Council’s Milne Bay Aquatic Centre will use the money to put a strategy in place to reduce water loss, allowing the centre to remain open to the public.

“I commend these councils for taking a positive step towards reducing water consumption and loss in their local area.

“All Queenslanders need to consider how we use water and more importantly, how we avoid wasting water.

“It’s great to see local councils leading the way.

“Reducing water loss in our local water networks is only one piece of water-saving puzzle, but it’s extremely important.”

The Queensland Government has allocated $50 million for these projects up until June 2011.

Media Contact: Chris Taylor 3227 8825