Premier announces multi-million-dollar upgrade to crucial outback weir

The Palaszczuk Government will deliver more than $1 million to support the Longreach Regional Council to complete emergency repairs on one of west Queensland’s most important sources of water.

While in Longreach holding regional Cabinet today, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced $1.2 million to repair the Isisford Weir.

“Water is our most important resource, particularly in proud agricultural communities here in West Queensland,” the Premier said.

“We know that to rebuild our economy, we must invest in new infrastructure and safeguard our water supply – that’s what today’s announcement is all about.

“I asked the Mayor what his number one concern was for Longreach and he said the Weir.

“From droughts through to COVID-19 – it’s been a challenging couple of years for the people of West Queensland.

“We’re investing in services and infrastructure like the Isisford Weir to help locals rebuild and recover.”

The Isisford Weir, on the Barcoo River is a key asset to provide drinking water to the Isisford Community and supports the economy of the town. 

The 190 megalitre Weir works in unison with a 250 megalitre off-stream storage facility and the local water treatment plant to provide water for the community.

A recent structural assessment report of the dam identified the need for emergency repairs for the Weir that had been constructed in 1934.

Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said today’s announcement was an important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s economic recovery plan for regional Queensland.

Mr Butcher said repair works would support around 10 local jobs and pump $1.2 million into the economy.

“The Palaszczuk Government continues to invest in regional communities to create local jobs and support regional communities to rebuild and recover,” he said.

“Today we’re partnering with the council to give water security to locals in this region.”

Mr Butcher said the weir repair works would be supervised by Longreach Regional Council as part of their capital works program and are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2021.

“As well as securing water supplies for Isisford, this project will help to boost the economy of the Isisford Region as Council completes the work for this important project,” he said.

Mr Butcher said secure water supplies for communities was a key priority for the Palaszczuk Government.

“This is absolutely critical for the local community,” he said.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that’s listening to the people of the outback and delivering what locals need.” 

ENDS 

Media contact:
Jack Harbour (Premier’s office) 0419 620 447
Dan Lato (Water Minister’s office) 0438 891 158