Australian Government Support for $67 million Toowoomba Water Project will let the Community Decide ...

MP Malcolm Turnbull press release.

The Federal goverment has shifted responsibility for the decision back to the people where it belongs.

A sharp piece of political side-stepping.

24 March 2006

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister with responsibility for water policy, the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP, today announced that the Australian Government will match the Queensland Government's contribution of $22.916 million to the $67.8 million Toowoomba recycling project if the people of Toowoomba support the project.

Water Futures Toowoomba - Water Recycling Project (“the Project”) seeks to provide long term sustainable water supply that will meet the current and projected growth of Toowoomba and surrounding areas.

The project will use advanced water treatment processes to recycle wastewater for potable use. The recycled water will augment potable water supplies in Cooby Dam. It is innovative and unique and will be the first of its kind in Australia.

Making the announcement on behalf of the Prime Minister, Mr Turnbull welcomed Premier Beattie's support for the Water Futures Toowoomba - Water Recycling Project and his assurances that it is an "exceptional proposal that will combine the provision of reliable new water supply through indirect potable water recycling with efforts to maximise the beneficial use of existing sources while minimising demand".

Everyone wants safe and reliable water supply for the Toowoomba community and the surrounding region. At the same time, the Toowoomba City Council, the project's proponent agrees that the project's success is predicated on community acceptance.

The Australian Government firmly believes that the community of Toowoomba should decide whether or not they want recycled wastewater for potable use.

Accordingly the Australian Government's support of $22.916 million is conditional on a majority of voters in Toowoomba City voting in favour of the proposal to introduce recycled water into their drinking water system in the manner contemplated by the Project at a referendum to be held no later than 30 September 2006.

Premier Beattie's assurances that the state government is working to develop an appropriate regulatory framework for potable water recycling were also welcomed. "Appropriate health and safety regulation and regional water management plans for the Gowrie-Oakey Creek system and the Hampton groundwater aquifer underpin the success of this project" Mr Turnbull said.

The Toowoomba City Council has advised that of all the alternative options they and the Queensland Government have considered the Water Futures Toowoomba - Water Recycling Project is the most viable.

Toowoomba City Council has noted that, as an inland city, it does not have the same options for augmenting its water supply as coastal towns and cities do.

Toowoomba now has the opportunity to decide on its water future.

See - MP Turnbull Press Release.