Community & Business
27 September, 2024
Funding flows for water projects
MAREEBA shire will get a $7.3 million funding boost for its Regional Water Security project under the new $211 million Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative.
Jointly funded by the federal and state government, the project will upgrade the Mareeba water treatment plant clarifier system and replace old water mains.
Led by Mareeba Shire Council, this project will reduce water loss and improve water security for the community and industry, as well as improving water quality in the Barron River and the surrounding environment.
The $7.3 million project is jointly funded by the Australian Government, through the National Water Grid Fund, and Mareeba Shire Council, each contributing $3.65 million.
The project is shovel ready following council design works supported by separate state funding of $287,990.
“We are pleased to receive this vital funding that, combined with our own investment, will help us to replace old water mains and refurbish the two existing new clarifiers as part of water treatment upgrades here in Mareeba,” Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin said.
“The upgrades will not only help to improve our water quality but take pressure off other parts of the treatment process – also allowing us to increase the overall amount of water we can produce, which is a fantastic outcome for our community.”
Speaking at the Council meeting last week, Mayor Toppin said three water projects under the council’s 10-year water strategy were progressing well, including the changeover from the water towers gravity-supply system, to a new booster-pumped system, which is near completion.
In the joint announcement of the WISER funding on Thursday last week, Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said it was “fantastic to work with Mareeba Shire Council to safeguard our precious water resources and protect our natural environment”.
“Upgrading the Mareeba water treatment plant clarifier and replacing outdated water mains will significantly reduce water loss and improve water security for both the community and industry.”
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher said the upgrade was more than delivering improved water infrastructure.
“It’s a cost of living measure that will benefit the community long term,” he said. “It is helping to put downward pressure on rates and water bills, while future-proofing the region’s water infrastructure and water supply resilience as the local population, tourism economy and industries grow.
“Regional Queensland is no stranger to the devastating impacts of severe tropical cyclones, storms and floods, as well as droughts, so it’s a constant focus for us to continually improve and maintain the water infrastructure to ensure the reliable delivery of safe, clean drinking water for these communities.”
