MP Macfarlane - strong support from Toowoomba community and surrounding region required ...

Comments by Federal MP Ian Macfarlane on the Federal government's conditional approval of funding for the Toowoomba Water Futures project:

Federal Member for Groom Ian Macfarlane has welcomed the decision by the Australian Government to support the Toowoomba Water Futures project subject to majority community support from the people of Toowoomba.

“Today’s announcement means the Australian government will match the Queensland Government's commitment dollar for dollar once the people of Toowoomba have been fully consulted,” said Mr Macfarlane.

“The Toowoomba City Council, which submitted the proposal under the Australian Government's $2 billion Water Fund, now has a responsibility to go to the people with a referendum and make sure they have majority community support for this project,” he said.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister with responsibility for water policy, Malcolm Turnbull MP, today announced the $67.8 million Toowoomba Water Futures project, would receive Australian government funding of $22.916 million.

This funding would see recycled waste water used to top up potable water supplies, providing a referendum proved the community supported the proposal.

"A project of this significance will succeed only with strong community backing and today’s announcement puts this important decision right where it belongs, in the hands of the people of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs,” Mr Macfarlane said.

"I have asked from the beginning for an open debate about the future of the region’s water supply with a consideration of all options and over the next three to six months that debate will finally occur."

"Water is a very important issue in this region and must be supported by both the urban and rural communities and today’s announcement means everyone who will be affected by this project can have a say, be they farmers, residents or business owners."

“This is a good outcome for this region and will ensure if this ground-breaking water recycling project goes ahead then it does so with full confidence and strong support from the Toowoomba community and surrounding region.”