- Survey works progress on the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline
- $13.4 million locked in the Big Build, to support pre-construction activities
- Project will create more than 400 jobs during construction
Survey work is currently underway to inform the final route for the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline, part of a more than $300 million investment that will deliver long-term water security to the Southern Downs and create more than 400 jobs during construction.
The pipeline will carry water from Wivenhoe Dam to Toowoomba via existing water infrastructure and then deliver water to Warwick through a new 109-kilometre pipeline, providing a drought contingency supply for the Southern Downs and a permanent water supply to Toowoomba satellite communities of Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby and Clifton.
The Palaszczuk Government locked $13.4 million in the Budget for pre-construction work this year, as part of the Big Build.
Geotechnical work and consultation with local landholders will form part of the pre-construction phase.
The pipeline will have the capacity to transfer up to 10.3 megalitres per day from Wivenhoe Dam.
The expected project completion is in early 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:
"The Palaszczuk Government continues to deliver water infrastructure that Queenslanders need, providing more water security and more jobs.
"We know how tough the drought was for the Southern Downs and I'm pleased to see this vital water security project moving forward.
"Ensuring we can move water around the region when needed through drought-resilient water supply infrastructure like the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline is critical to meeting future growth.
"I thank the Toowoomba and Southern Downs Councils for working together with us on this project that will be critical for both regions' future water security."
Quotes attributable to Seqwater General Manager Major Projects, Barbara van Heerden:
"While Warwick and Toowoomba have local water supply dams, this new pipeline provides more options to manage water supply challenges arising from intermittent rainfall, drought and population growth.
"Early pre-construction works, including surveying, geotechnical work and landholder consultation will continue throughout the corridor during 2023.
"These important works will help us understand the terrain and will inform the detailed design work, including the final route recommendation."
Further Information:
As a Palaszczuk Government Budget measure, Toowoomba Regional Council will receive $15 million over four years for the construction of water treatment facilities to provide treated water to the communities of Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby and Clifton.
$8.5 million has also been allocated for water reticulation monitoring that will enable the Southern Downs Regional Council to identify and reduce water losses across its reticulation network. These activities form part of a more than $300 million investment to enhance water security in the Toowoomba and Southern Downs regions.
The Palaszczuk Government previously announced the $19.34 million Southern Downs Drought Resilience Package which includes measures such as the installation of new pumps at Leslie Dam which allows for accessing water below the level that existing pumps could access.
The Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline will be owned and operated by Seqwater.
