Townsville scores a big budget win with State water package
Date published: 13 June 2017
The Palaszczuk Government’s $225 million Budget commitment for Townsville’s water security was a huge win for the city and the powerful voice of the local community, Mayor Cr Jenny Hill said today.
“We have campaigned for the government to step up and give us a fair go with funding for critical infrastructure for our city and they have delivered,” Cr Hill said.
“Today’s budget commitment from the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is a rock solid guarantee from the Government to fund the solution without lumping the cost back on our community.
“By sticking to our guns and putting water on the government agenda through the City Deal, we have avoided saddling residents with a massive cost that would have pushed up rates for every household.
“It’s important now that work gets under way on a solution as soon as possible after the Water Taskforce identifies the best technical options in its report at the end of the month.”
Cr Hill said today’s $225 million Budget allocation included funding for the council to deliver a demand management package that would complement the infrastructure solution.
“We have achieved significant gains in reducing water consumption, but we will work with the Taskforce and the community on ways to encourage longer term water saving practices,” Cr Hill said.
“This funding package is a great result for the city and I want to acknowledge the work by State Members Scott Stewart, Coralee O’Rourke and Aaron Harper to get it over the line.”
The Mayor also welcomed confirmation in the Budget of major funding to generate jobs and support key programs and services.
Highlights include $89.2 million for infrastructure projects, $386 Million for Powering NQ Plan, $75 million for Port Channel widening, $50 million Regional Employment Package.
