The four-megalitre Emu Park Reservoir is now a reality for the Capricorn Coast, with the $2.86 million piece of water infrastructure operational and ensuring water security for the region.
The project received $2 million from the Federal and Queensland Governments under the Local Economic Recovery (LER) Program, and $860,000 from Livingstone Shire Council.
The LER Program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State via Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
It was developed following the 2019 Queensland Bushfires to boost economic and social recovery in impacted regions, funding critical infrastructure projects for communities.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:
“This new concrete reservoir delivers a real difference for communities in the Capricorn Coast region who were deeply affected by bushfires just a few years ago.”
“I congratulate those who have worked hard on this project –this significant infrastructure upgrade will deliver a secure and reliable supply of safe and drinkable water for years to come.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier Steven Miles:
“The Emu Park Reservoir is long-term disaster recovery at its best, with all three levels of government working together to secure a positive outcome for the region”.
“The project has brought with it many economic benefits for the Capricorn Coast, creating jobs, supporting the supply chain, and now securing greater water security.
“This additional water capacity can also be relied on during times of extreme heat and bushfires, helping to better protect local communities.
“Forward-thinking initiatives like the LER Program, delivered through long-standing DRFA arrangements, make projects like this possible.”
Quotes attributable to Livingstone Shire Council Mayor Andy Ireland:
“This is a major milestone for the southern Capricorn Coast, improving the network’s capacity now and into the future.”
“As the region’s population continues to grow, this vital infrastructure will help accommodate growth for years to come.
“With a four-megalitre capacity, this reservoir takes total Emu Park water storage to 6.27 megalitres, roughly 1.8 times previous capacity.
“Council would like to sincerely thank the Queensland and Australian Governments for the significant funding contribution towards this major project that had been forecasted as a priority infrastructure for some years.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga
“Transformative initiatives like the completion of the Emu Park Reservoir not only contribute to long-term resilience but also serve as incentives for local employment opportunities.”
“It’s with pride the Queensland Government has delivered on its strong commitment to support the Livingstone Shire community in building resilience against the possibility of future natural disasters like bushfires.”
Quotes attributable to Livingstone Shire Council Councillor Andrea Friend, portfolio holder of Water, Waste Management and Environment.
“The project increases reliability of water availability for residents during regular use and provides additional system storage during bushfire and emergency periods.”
“Council is delighted to be able to have delivered this critical community infrastructure project on time and on budget, which serves a substantial purpose in providing an essential service to residents in Emu Park and surrounds.”
Additional information:
- Emu Park Reservoir has a capacity of four megalitres, or four million litres, which is equivalent to 1.6 x 50m Olympic swimming pools.
- The reservoir features 500 cubic metres of concrete, 80 tonnes of reinforcing steel and over 5kms of post tensioned steel strands in its roof.
- Construction was completed by renowned Queensland company Hornick Constructions.
