Regional Water Alliance discuss future solutions with Deputy PM

The Southern Queensland Inland and New South Wales Border Regional Water Alliance (SQINB-RWA) have had a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce, to discuss long-term regional water solutions.

The online meeting with Mr Joyce, who was in Tenterfield, was arranged following the Alliance’s discussion with the Queensland Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, Glenn Butcher, at Toowoomba City Hall in late September.

Alliance Chair and Toowoomba Region Mayor, Paul Antonio, said the attendees appreciated the chance to tell Mr Joyce about their commitment to find regional water solutions that would support future growth.

Mr Antonio said the Alliance would continue to engage with respective state governments and the Commonwealth Government to advance plans for delivering future water supplies.

“The Mayors are mindful of the need to consider not only our urban water needs, but the future water sources that will underpin our productive agricultural areas and future business and industry expansion,” Mr Antonio said.

“Cooperation between the three levels of government will be a key feature of finding solutions and identifying new water sources.

“The Alliance welcomes Mr Joyce’s advice around the best ways to present our options and how to proceed with a broad vision.”

Mr Antonio said South Burnett Regional Council and Banana Shire Council also had indicated their willingness to be included in ongoing discussions about future water security.