Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has advertised an Expression of Interest (EOI) for irrigators with unused water allocations to support Council operations and reduce the impact on town water supplies.
TRC Water and Waste Committee Chair Councillor Nancy Sommerfield said the new initiative would help to relieve pressure on the existing potable water supplies.
"The current tender asks existing holders of water allocations to either sell their allocation, enter into seasonal water assignment agreements or sell volumetrically at their site to assist Council," Cr Sommerfield said.
"Council would use the allocation to maintain roads, construction dust suppression, maintain open spaces, and recreational facilities while reducing reliance on Council's potable groundwater bores.
"If satisfied that the water quality is suitable, Council may use this water in urban supply networks.
"Those interested in the offer should visit Council's tender site and download and complete the Request for Offer and Specification Document which outlines all requirements for the EOI.
"With no end in sight for the current drought, we need to be looking at every opportunity available to us right now
"It is vital we continue to explore alternative new water sources and the purchasing of water allocations, whether that be for parks and recreation or dust suppression for construction activities will help reduce the strain on our underground aquifers.
"Also, Council will continue to work with all levels of government to explore alternative water sources such as new dams, groundwater allocations and manufactured water options."
Water allocation holders have until 2.00 pm on the 4 February 2020 to respond to the EOI.
