Emergency drought assistance for new Kingaroy water pipeline

Drought-stricken Kingaroy Shire will receive emergency funding from the Queensland Government to construct a new water pipeline.

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt today announced the funding, which will allow Kingaroy Shire Council to build a pipeline from the Boondooma-Tarong pipeline to the Gordonbrook Water Treatment Plant.

“Gordonbrook Dam on the Stuart River is the main source of water for Kingaroy’s 8500 residents,” Mr Pitt said.

“However, the current drought conditions have seriously depleted the level of water in the dam, leaving Kingaroy on level six water restrictions and in desperate need of alternative water supply strategies.

“The council will now undertake measures to ensure water supplies to the town, including building the new pipeline and purchasing a temporary water allocation of 1000 megalitres each year from Tarong Energy.

“This Queensland Government funding will ensure water supplies to Kingaroy are maintained until the dam is replenished or alternative water sources are found.”

Mr Pitt said the State Government would subsidise up to 75 per cent of the total eligible cost ($1.6 million) of the first 12 months of the pipeline and water transfer projects under the Urban Drought Water Program, once the council’s costs reached a threshold of 10 per cent of council water charges revenue for the previous financial year.

The State Government would also subsidise up to 40 per cent of the remaining eligible cost ($1.49 million) under the Water and Sewerage Program. This would make the total state contribution to the project almost $1.7 million.

“This is the most practical and cost-effective way of ensuring Kingaroy’s water supply,” Mr Pitt said.

“All avenues of maintaining the water supply will be pursued until the normal water supply is replenished by rain.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819