Mayor Meets with Acting Director General Linda Dobe to Discuss South Burnett’s Water Security

Acting Director General and Jarrod Crowley-Grimmond, Acting Deputy Director General, Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water on Monday 8 April 2024 to discuss South Burnett’s Water Security.

“Sourcing a reliable water source for the South Burnett region is of upmost importance. In a region that is diverse and rich in agriculture, the ability to access additional water has become critical for public health and economic security,” said Mayor Kathy Duff.

Council currently sources its primary urban water supplies from Boondooma Dam, Bjelke Peterson Dam, Gordonbrook Dam and underground bores.

“With numerous residents concerned with water quality putting the South Burnett’s critical priorities on the table is of high priority,” said Cr Duff.

In summary, South Burnett Regional Council’s critical priorities are:

1. Assistance and funding to develop a detailed infrastructure plan to improve water security, raw water quality (source and allocation) and upgrade treatment plants to meet health based targets and improve water quality aesthetics for Kingaroy, Nanango, Wondai and Murgon
2. Assistance with access to and funding of progressive acquisition of additional high priority water allocation to provide acceptable water security for Kingaroy and ultimately Nanango;
3. Secure funding to assist with the construction of the 150ML off-stream storage for Boondooma water at Gordonbrook Water Treatment Plant; and
4. Funding assistance supporting Acceptable Flood Capacity Upgrades for Gordonbrook Dam.

Concurrently, Council is currently working towards mandated referable dam upgrades for Gordonbrook Dam. Early cost estimates prepared in 2021 indicate expenditure of potential significant costs over the next 3 to 4 years. The spillway upgrade project is a massive cost to the South Burnett Regional Council, putting severe financial pressure on the region with no direct benefit to water security.

“Ongoing conversations and advocacy will continue regarding the South Burnett region’s water security and to secure funding for the needs of the South Burnett” said Cr Duff.

For further information or enquiries please contact Council on 4189 9100 or email info@sbrc.qld.gov.au.

Pictured from Left to Right: CEO Mark Pitt, Cr Jane Erkens, Mayor Kathy Duff, Acting Director General Linda Dobe, Acting Deputy Director General Jarrod Crowley-Grimmond, GM Aaron Meehan, Manager Adam Branch.