Funds open for nothern flows
Almost $15 million has been provided to assist Queensland's water woes.
The Federal Government has announced two major water security projects in Queensland, aiming to improve infrastructure and resource management in regional communities.
These investments are part of the broader $211 million Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative, which aims to enhance water efficiency and sustainability across several states.
In the Central Highlands of Queensland, a $5.9 million upgrade will improve water supply and quality for the towns of Bauhinia, Capella, and Rolleston.
This project includes upgrades to two water treatment plants and infrastructure for recycling water for community use, such as irrigation for schools and sporting grounds.
Federal funding of $2.3 million, along with contributions from the Queensland Government and Central Highlands Regional Council, will support this effort.
Meanwhile, on the Cassowary Coast, the WISER initiative will fund a $9 million project aimed at reducing water losses through the replacement of ageing pipelines in Tully, Innisfail, and Nyletta.
This project will save an estimated 588 megalitres of water annually, equivalent to 235 Olympic swimming pools.
The Federal and Queensland governments will each provide $4 million, while the Cassowary Coast Regional Council will contribute $978,000.
The WISER initiative is supporting 23 projects to deliver more efficient and sustainable water use in regional communities across Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia.
The government says many of the projects will be powered by renewable energy, use recycled materials, and refurbish existing structures to reduce the construction footprint.