Seqwater establishes new Ipswich office

State-owned water authority Seqwater is helping to deliver on the Bligh Government’s plans to move government agencies out of the Brisbane CBD, Natural Resources & Water Minister Craig Wallace said today.

Seqwater, which now manages and operates all dams and catchments and water treatment plants in South East Queensland, today officially opened its new purpose-built office in Karalee located on the northern outskirts of Ipswich.

Mr Wallace said the new office reflected the Bligh Government’s plan to decentralise metropolitan government agencies.

“In July this year the Premier outlined a plan to relocate public servants out of the city and into the regions, including the western corridor through the Ipswich, saving $200 million over 20 years,’’ he said.

“The Premier was particularly keen to have State agencies, including the new water authorities, play a role in the rejuvenation of Ipswich city. I am very pleased to see this is underway.’’

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale applauded the State’s commitment to the growing Ipswich region.

“I am pleased that Seqwater has recognised the importance of the Ipswich region and the opportunity to be part of one of the major growth corridors of South East Queensland over the next couple of decades,” Cr Pisasale said.

Seqwater chief executive Peter Borrows said the new regional office reflected the geographic spread of the new organisation with water assets stretching from the Gold Coast through to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast.

“Given many of our assets are located in the region, certainly part of our business planning into the future is to ensure we have an appropriate presence in the regions,’’ Mr Borrows said. “Across Seqwater we now have 75% of our staff working in the regions, with almost half of those working in the western region of SEQ.

“The new Karalee office will add to this presence giving more employees the opportunity to work closer to home. The office employs 20 staff, including administration, operations and irrigator customer service staff, however it has the space and capacity to accommodate more staff.

“This means many of our maintenance and field staff will be able to use the office and its facilities as a temporary base as and when required which will save on time and travel costs.’’

The new Karalee office is located at Unit 1, 68 Junction Road and is fully operational.

Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office, 3896 3688.