Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Media Release, 10 October 2023

Lockyer Valley Regional Council has welcomed announcement by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on plans for a new desalinisation plant, saying it could free up existing infrastructure and water supplies for industrial and agricultural use and provide water security for our population growth.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said while the Premier’s announcement wasn’t specifically about water security for the Lockyer Valley and Somerset regions, the overall SEQ water plan put the local project in a favourable light.

“Recycled water is one of the most valuable resources we have in our country and if it’s not going to be used for drinking, it can easily be made available for industry such as agriculture.

“This fully-treated water would be perfect for Australia’s Salad Bowl and would lead to an increase in jobs and exports, which makes it a win for everyone.

“The recent El Nino declaration by the Bureau of Meteorology means we’re all preparing for drier seasons ahead, which makes it imperative we all work together to ensure no water is wasted and water security is guaranteed.

“Rather than pumping it out to sea, let’s use it to irrigate our food supply and ensure greater resilience for our farmers and food supplies,” Mayor Milligan said.

The Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security Scheme proposal would ensure long-term water security and agriculture sustainability by supplying additional water, through a pipeline network, to ensure regional growth in the Lockyer Valley and Somerset.

“A key part of the infrastructure is already in place and just needs to be recommissioned and optimised.

“Under the Scheme, it would have no negative impact on drinking water supplies.

“Where the desalination project can be a great solution to growing demand for drinking water in SEQ, the Western Corridor Recycled Water infrastructure can be a similar solution for agriculture and industry.

“Our project is ready to go, with a completed business case that demonstrates viability and benefits for Queenslanders,” Mayor Milligan said.

For more information, visit https://lvandswatercollaborative.com.au/.