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More than $2 million is set to be thrown behind slowing the Southern Downs’ plummet towards an “ageing infrastructure cliff”, starting with the region’s failing sewer system.
The overhaul would come as part of the latest round of Works for Queensland funding from the State Government, with Southern Downs Regional Council receiving $3,000,050 in total.
Councillors attended a special meeting on Wednesday morning to approve the list of potential projects they would submit to the Department of Local Government, Racing, and Multicultural Affairs by Friday.
Relining sewer mains across the region was given an estimated allocation of $1.3 million, with the council report stating it would “extend the life of the infrastructure (by) up to 50 years”.
SDRC receives slice of $3M in water security funding warwickdailynews.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from warwickdailynews.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Councillor Cameron Gow was one of the most vocal in favour of the request, contending the tourism benefits would outweigh any costs of the water.
“If Warwick Polocrosse can’t access this water, it’s potentially another event cancelled so people won’t visit our region, which flows onto our tourism operators,” Cr Gow said.
He was met with fierce opposition by councillors Andrew Gale, Ross Bartley, and Stephen Tancred, who all agreed the region’s drought status was too “desperate” to offer extra water to a sporting organisation.
“I cannot, in the current dire circumstances we find ourselves, to allow the use of any water that is capable of being treated to a drinking standard to be utilised for watering grass,” Cr Gale agreed.
Push for Southern Downs entertainment precinct fires ahead warwickdailynews.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from warwickdailynews.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.