Report shows Mount Morgan community has safe, secure water supply

An analysis of Mount Morgan’s water supply system has shown the local community and industries have enough water until at least 2036.

Water Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the conclusion was the result of a partnership study by the Queensland Government and Rockhampton Regional Council and showed Mount Morgan’s No. 7 dam, located east of the town, would serve the region well into the future.

“This assessment was about evaluating what the region has and what it will need,” Dr Lynham said.

“The report notes that this community’s low water usage is a major contributor to maintaining the security of Mount Morgan’s urban water supply.

“However, we also know that on occasion the No. 7 dam has reached critically low water levels and in the event of severe drought there is some risk of shortfall.

“To combat this, the Rockhampton Regional Council is pursuing options to connect the Mount Morgan community to Rockhampton’s main water supply via a bulk water supply pipeline,” Dr Lynham said.

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Margaret Strelow said that while this was great news for Mount Morgan, Council was committed to doing more.

“We are committed to improving the security of the water supply, which is why we are in the process of assessing leaks or losses from the No. 7 Dam to see if these can be used or reduced.

“Our ongoing investment in water main renewal also means that older pipes are being replaced with new ones, which will again reduce water losses.

“Council will continue to support and invest in Mount Morgan, ensuring this historic town can grow and develop in the coming years,” Mayor Strelow said.

Dr Lynham said while the assessment incorporates the best available information, continued assessment and planning is important.

 "This study is intended to inform our organisations, and to support council’s discussions with its community on its future water supply needs,” Dr Lynham said.

Dr Lynham said the Queensland Government had begun the regional water supply assessment program in 2014 to assess regional centres which could be subject to growth pressures.

“Regional water supply security assessments have already been prepared for Bundaberg, Cairns, Charters Towers, Emerald, Gladstone, Gympie, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Maryborough, Rockhampton, Stanthorpe, Whitsundays, and Townsville,” Dr Lynham said.

“Assessments are currently being developed for Chinchilla, Cloncurry, Kingaroy, Mossman, Mount Isa, and Warwick.

More information about the Queensland Government’s Regional Water Supply Security Assessments program is available here.

Media enquiries: David Potter 0428 411 617