$370 million confirmed for pipeline to Warwick

A final funding total of $370 million has been signed off by the Queensland Government for the long-awaited Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline.

Along with supplying water to Warwick, the townships of Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby and Clifton will have access to treated water.

The pipeline will carry raw water from Wivenhoe Dam and connect with Toowoomba Regional Council’s existing water infrastructure, with more than 400 jobs expected to be supported by the project.

Last week, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Cabinet had locked in the final funding amount of more than $370 million.

“This is fantastic news for the people of Western Queensland, with a pipeline of good, quality jobs just around the corner,” the Premier said.

“We know that water security is absolutely vital to these local economies, as well as the liveability of our Queensland communities.

“Planning is already well underway and today’s funding announcement signals that major construction can kick off this year.”

Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said a lot of hard work has gone into making the final funding decision.

“Even while negotiations have been taking place, preconstruction activities, such as progressing the necessary environmental and native title approvals have been continuing,” Mr Butcher said.

“The next stage of early works will include geotechnical works, final route determination, land-owner engagement, and final detailed design.

In addition to the pipeline, the funding includes upgrades to the Wivenhoe Pump Station to boost existing capacity, construction of new water treatment facilities to service communities along the pipeline route, and installation of network monitoring to reduce losses and improve water security for the Southern Downs.