Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia and Federal Member for Dawson have inspected the site of the Warrens Gully System, where $4.76 million in federal funding is supporting $9.5 million in crucial water infrastructure upgrades.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the Warrens Gully System is among 40 water infrastructure projects nationwide that will share in $108 million in federal funding under the National Water Grid Connections program.
“These upgrades will improve the resilience and reliability of North Queensland’s water infrastructure, ensuring a stronger future for water security across the region,” Minister Littleproud said.
“We are supporting localised improvements that collectively add up to a big contribution to the National Water Grid.”
Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said the project will enhance water services to existing customers and facilitate the expansion of the region’s agricultural industry.
“The project is expected to deliver up to 43 jobs during construction and up to 50 ongoing jobs at a time when they’re needed most,” Mr Christensen said.
“It will also deliver 12 to 18 gigalitres in additional storage capacity, resulting in 620 hectares of additional irrigable land and up to 15 new customers or properties connected to water supply.”
Queensland Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said the Australian and Queensland Governments are working together to identify, plan and deliver a program of water infrastructure investments that will improve the reliability and security of water for Queensland’s regions.
“Secure and reliable access to water is vital for our state’s world-class agriculture and primary industry sectors,” Minister Butcher said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Connections funding invests in packages of water infrastructure projects brought forward by states and territories right across the country to improve water reliability and efficiency.
“This is paving the way to national water security, while promoting local economic activity and job creation,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
