Budget invests $6.6m towards safe drinking water

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Published
12th August 2022

Livingstone Shire Council has maintained a focus on providing safe drinking water in its 2022/23 Budget to support our community’s future needs.

A total $6.6 million of Council’s capital spend will be invested in the next 12 months to continue work on nine water infrastructure projects across the shire.

Portfolio holder Water, Waste Management and the Environment, Councillor Andrea Friend said potable water is one of the world’s most valuable resources and, with Livingstone Shire experiencing population and industry growth, continued strategic water management is essential.

“$2.4 million will go towards the completion of the new water reservoir at Emu Park West, which will improve the reliability of the potable water supply to the southern end of the Capricorn Coast by providing an additional four megalitres of storage capacity,” Cr Friend said.

“There’s an investment of $1.4 million to replace the filter media at Woodbury Water Treatment Plant as well as installing new air distribution grids, pipework, valves and process controls.

“A further $1.2 million will be spent on fulfilling the repairs to the 97-year-old Mt Charlton water reservoir, which is expected to be back in operation in September.

“A sizeable chunk of Council’s capital spend will also fund the finalisation of Kelly’s Dam rectification works and the installation of the booster pump station at Inverness. 

“The ongoing replacement of critical pumps and pipes at a cost of $742,000 will ensure long-term reliability of water supply, while planning and design will commence for the renewal of the Farnborough Road water main and Pacific Heights booster pump station upgrade.”

Mayor Andy Ireland said access to safe and reliable potable water is critical not only to our residents, but also to economic growth and environmental outcomes.

Several of these projects are substantially funded through state and federal government grants, which means Council can deliver them during a time of rising costs, without ratepayers fully funding them,” Mayor Ireland said.

“I’d like to sincerely thank the support of the Queensland and Australian Governments for their contribution towards these important projects.”

For more information on the 2022/23 Budget and Operational Plan, visit https://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/current-budget