$10.8 million flows to drought-hit Central Queensland community

The Palaszczuk Government is pouring $10.8 million into helping Rockhampton Regional Council continue to truck drinking water from Gracemere to Mount Morgan.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Steven Miles said the funding would keep this essential service on the road while a pipeline from Gracemere to Mount Morgan was built.

“Since March 2021, Mount Morgan has been on strict level six water restrictions and relying on their water supply being carted from Gracemere,” Mr Miles said.

“Council has been carting water to the Mount Morgan Treatment Plant, making about 20 water tanker deliveries a day and meeting costs of about $5.7 million to date.

“The Palaszczuk Government is providing a Special Assistance Package of up to $10.8 million to council to cover the cost of water carting into next year, when the pipeline is expected to be completed.

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams said council had started preliminary works on this permanent solution for the region’s water security.

“While we plan and build a new water pipeline from Gracemere to Mount Morgan, this new funding will help ensure we can continue to supply drinking water to the Mount Morgan community,” Mayor Williams said.

“This is essential for the people of Mount Morgan as works progress towards a permanent water supply.

“This is a great example of State and local government working together to back regional communities like Mount Morgan.”

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke welcomed the funding.

“The Mount Morgan community deserves secure access to water supply. This funding and the construction of the pipeline ensures that,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“It also means Rockhampton Regional Council won’t be required to continue funding the carting of water.”

The funding will be available to Rockhampton Regional Council over the 2022-23 and 2023-24 financial years.

ENDS

Media contact:           Amy Hunter 0423 651 484