- Construction has begun to upgrade five weirs along the Thomson River in Longreach.
- The new raised weir infrastructure will help to deliver improved water security and increased water supply for the community.
- Works continue strong progress in the $18.6 million Longreach Water Security for Growth project.
Construction has begun to deliver five upgraded weirs along the Thomson River in Longreach, as part of the $18.6 million Longreach Water Security for Growth project.
The upgrades will raise each weir by one metre, increasing their combined water storage capacity by approximately 900 megalitres.
Work has started on demolishing and reconstructing Anabranch Weirs one and two, which are expected to be completed this year before progressing the three remaining weirs in the program in 2027.
This significant boost will help safeguard Longreach's water supply, ensuring the community and local industries have access to reliable water resources well into the future.
The works continue to build on the strong progress already being made on the water security project, with the installation of more than 1,600 new smart water meters and replacement of approximately 3.2 kilometres of ageing water mains well underway.
The project is jointly funded by the Albanese Government, Crisafulli Government and Longreach Regional Council. Led by Longreach Regional Council, the project is supported through the Australian Government's National Water Grid Fund under the Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions initiative.
Projects completed under the initiative must deliver sustainable water security outcomes and ensure the environment remains central during planning and delivery.
Federal Minister for Water Murray Watt said it was great to see the project progressing.
"This is a significant project for the Longreach region and reaching weir construction is a fantastic milestone," Minister Watt said.
"The Albanese Government is committed to working alongside all levels of government to invest in projects that will deliver long-term water security to regional Queensland."
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government was boosting water security for Queensland and delivering on the commitment to improve water security for Longreach, with the construction of the weirs now underway.
"We are increasing water storage and capacity to protect agriculture and deliver water security with these five new weirs, just as we said we would do," Minister Leahy said.
"By increasing water storage capacity along the Thomson River, these works will strengthen the region's water security and support the needs of residents, businesses and industry well into the future.
"Investing in critical water infrastructure is essential to supporting regional communities, driving economic growth and ensuring Queensland is well-positioned for future opportunities, and these upgrades will deliver lasting benefits for Longreach and the wider region."
Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said the weir upgrades would provide a significant boost to Longreach's water security.
"Raising these five weirs will add around 900 megalitres of storage along the Thomson River, giving Longreach greater water security and confidence for the future," Mr Dillon said.
"This is the kind of practical investment that matters in the bush, supporting our community, local businesses and industries with a more reliable water supply."
Mayor of Longreach Regional Council Tony Rayner said the upgrades to the Thomson River weirs marked a major milestone in securing Longreach's water future.
"By increasing the storage capacity of these weirs, we're ensuring our community and local industries have access to reliable water resources for years to come," Mayor Rayner said.
"This project is the result of years of collaboration and planning, and we're incredibly grateful for the support of the Australian and Queensland Governments in making it a reality. Together, we're building a stronger, more resilient future for the Longreach community."
