Joint media release: $5.9 million for improved water security in Central Highlands

Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water, the Hon Glenn Butcher

The Albanese Labor Government has partnered with the Miles Government, local councils and community groups to deliver local infrastructure projects across Queensland that help safeguard water resources and protect our natural environment.

Under the new $211 million Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative the Central Highlands Drinking Water Supply Program in Central Queensland will receive a $5.9 million boost.

This program will help upgrade two water treatment plants and will deliver supporting infrastructure, improving the reliability and quality of water supply to the towns of Bauhinia, Capella and Rolleston.

The project will also enable the use of recycled water for irrigation of community spaces, including a school and sporting ground.

The $5.9 million project is supported by $2.3 million from the Federal Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, $2.0 million from the Queensland Government and $1.6 million from the Central Highlands Regional Council.

The WISER initiative is supporting 23 projects to deliver more efficient and sustainable water use in regional communities across Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia.

Helping to drive the nation’s transition to a circular economy, many of the projects will be powered by renewable energy, use recycled materials, and refurbish existing structures to reduce the construction footprint.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek:  

“We are committed to protecting our water resources for the communities, industries, and environment that depend on them.

“We’re pleased to partner with the Queensland Government and Central Highlands Regional Council to provide communities in the Central Highlands of Queensland with a more reliable water supply.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:

“The Miles Labor Government continues to deliver for the people of the Central Highlands and Central Queensland.

“This upgrade is about more than delivering critical water infrastructure, it’s a cost of living measure that will benefit the community long term.

“This funding is helping to put downward pressure on rates and water bills, while future-proofing the region’s water infrastructure and water supply resilience.

“I’m proud to work alongside the Australian Government and council to deliver this funding - I know how important water security is for Central Highlands community.

“Labor Governments will always help Councils deliver their water infrastructure, unlike the LNP who only ever cut from Councils.

“We will continue to support Councils across Central Queensland with their water infrastructure needs, including our support for projects in Livingstone, Gladstone, Rocky and of course Central Highlands.”

Quotes attributable to Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm:

“This crucial infrastructure project, which will improve the water capacity for so many across Central Queensland, has become a reality because of the collaboration between all tiers of government and the local community.

“This funding will deliver an additional 73 megalitres of water per year for sustainable community use in an area considered at high-risk from drought.

“Locals and farming communities in Bauhinia, Capella and Rolleston will all benefit from the increased capacity to use recycled water for irrigation across community spaces, including schools and sporting grounds.”

Quotes attributable to Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor Janice Moriarty:

“The Central Highlands is a large rural region, so we need to be smart and use technology to improve drinking water quality and reliability in all corners of our council area.

“Along with council’s $1.6 million, we received $2.3 million from the Australian government and $2 million from the state government and thank them for this vital support.

“This funding is for an upgrade to the Bauhinia and Rolleston water treatment plants and the installation of new technology that allows council to monitor its water operations remotely.

“This $5.9 million water project is expected to generate 5 new jobs, with the project planning to commence in November 2024 and expected to be completed by May 2027.”