Toowoomba Regional Council close to pipeline water cost deal ...

The Chronicle:

Council close to pipeline deal

14 January 2010

The State Government and Toowoomba Regional Council are on the verge of sealing a deal on the cost of water that will flow through the Wivenhoe pipeline.

The project is only weeks from completion.

The cost of the water could cause a dramatic rise in the already significant water charges to ratepayers.

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe yesterday said negotiations had been “vigorous” on both sides.

“I have been talking regularly with Mayor Peter Taylor,” Mr Hinchliffe said. “We have an offer on the table which we think is very fair and equitable.”

Mr Hinchliffe said the project was on track to have water flowing to Toowoomba by the end of this month despite a number of delays due to wet weather, steep terrain and bushfires.

He said all negotiations relating to the cost of the water and maintenance of the pipeline would be finalised with council.

“A pipeline like this, properly maintained, will last hundreds of years,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

Deputy mayor and Water Services spokesman Cr Paul Antonio confirmed council was in the later stages of negotiations with the government.

“We’re working through that offer and trying to get an outcome in the best interest of the community in the long term,” Cr Antonio said.

“It’s been a long, drawn out process ... but I think the community will be well served by the agreement.

“We just need to make sure we get all the ‘Ts’ crossed and the ‘Is’ dotted.”

See - The Chronicle - Council close to pipeline deal.