Pipeline dream to become a reality

A $300M project to build a water pipeline from Toowoomba to Warwick has been given the green light, with preconstruction work set to being before Christmas.

Both Toowoomba and Southern Downs councils voted to support the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026, after supporting about 420 jobs during three years of construction.

The motion to support the project passed Toowoomba Regional Council at a special meeting on Wednesday, following a three-hour debate.

Only four councillors opposed the resolution.

The council’s support of the pipeline comes on the conditions that a water treatment plant at Greenmount be connected to the pipeline, with future treated pipelines to supply Cambooya, Nobby and Clifton in lieu of individual treatment plants, and that Toowoomba Regional Council only supply water to Southern Downs if there is sufficient capacity within the network.

Support for the project was also contingent on the condition that it does not adversely impact council’s water security position, and the council receive “dollar matching financial support” from the state government towards funding its smart water meter program.

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio (pictured) said while the council’s main priority was water security to Toowoomba residents, the pipeline would also support the Southern Downs.

“While the dams are full at the moment, it wasn’t that long ago Warwick’s situation was dramatically different so we understand the importance of this project for the future of the Southern Downs,” he said.

“In saying this, our focus has to be for our residents and the long-term water security needs for our community.

Water Minister Glenn Butcher welcomed the council’s decision, and said the pipeline would not impact existing water supply.