Warwick pipeline decision on hold

Delay while talks held

A DECISION on Toowoomba Regional Council’s response to a proposed $300 million water pipeline from Toowoomba to Warwick project has been put on hold to allow further discussions to take place.

Both Toowoomba Regional Council and Southern Downs Regional Council met on Wednesday to discuss their responses to the project.

However Toowoomba councillors deferred any decision to a future meeting following a resolution adopted by Southern Down Regional Council that, if accepted by the state government, could be in conflict with Toowoomba Regional Council’s outcomes from the project.

Southern Downs Regional councillors voted in favour of a resolution to provide “in principle support” for the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project on a number of conditions, including that SDRC not be required to contribute to the capital, fixed or variable costs of the project or water provided by SEQWater, and that SDRC would have “sole responsibility for determining when to request water via the pipeline”.

Concerned the SDRC resolution created “ambiguity”, Toowoomba mayor Paul Antonio said councillors had come to the conclusion that further discussions between the Water Minister Glenn Butcher, senior representatives of the state government and SDRC were needed.

“This is a massive decision for all of us which is why we’ve called for an urgent meeting to be held,” Mr Antonio said.

“I’ve already reached out to the Minister and am optimistic we can arrange a meeting as soon as possible on this matter.

“While we know what our requirements are for the Toowoomba Region, the decision on Wednesday from Southern Downs Regional Council has made it clear we need to gain further understanding of their requirements for this proposed pipeline.

“We’re seeking to understand the intentions and implications of the details listed within the decision from Southern Downs.

“We have a good relationship with our neighbouring council so it’s about coming together to get clarity before we make a final decision.”

At Toowoomba Regional Council’s special meeting on Wednesday, the council voted that the pipeline project be deferred to a future special meeting of council, pending urgent discussions with the State Government Minister as a result of a relevant decision made by Southern Downs Regional Council on the new pipeline.