A massive $20 million investment announced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in Warwick this morning is set to kickstart the Southern Downs region’s plans for long-term water security.
The Premier was joined by Minister for Regional Development and Water Glenn Butcher, Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi, and Toowoomba councillor Nancy Sommerfield for the announcement at Warwick’s council chambers on Thursday.
More than $8 million of the drought resilience package will be put towards a detailed design and surveying for the proposed Warwick-Toowoomba pipeline, and another $4.54 million will be used to increase Leslie Dam’s usable water capacity by 1700ML.
The small town of Allora was another focal point of the investment, with $4.6 million in enhanced water treatment and other upgrades to reconnect the township to groundwater and free up an additional 350ML of urban water supply across the region.
According to Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi, investors are “knocking on our door” to build in the region and an influx of Warwick construction could be proof.
With a variety of council, commercial and educational sites on the way, we’ve listed 10 of the biggest projects to look out for that will shape 2021 and beyond.
A massive Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery upgrade will get underway this year after a contentious council vote.
Narrowly voted in this January, the $4 million improvement would see a significant build-out on the northern and eastern sides of the existing gallery and the eastern side of the existing library.