#FactCheck – water costs need a closer look
Joel Richters, Labor’s candidate for Southern Downs, wants to set the record straight on water prices in the local community.
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Big business steps up to help keep stock alive
Granite Belt Water Relief have only been operating for a few months to provide desperately needed water to people in rural areas so that they can keep their animals alive in what has become the worst drought on record in the Stanthorpe and Granite Belt region. (more…)
Lister and Littleproud are playing games with community over drought
The state government is spending record amounts on drought relief in Queensland… $74 million over the next four years according to this years’ budget. (more…)
What’s after Emu Swamp?
Water security or better described as insecurity is shaping up to be the most difficult challenge that we may face this century. (more…)
Emu Swamp Dam gets kick started
The Palaszczuk Labor Government have announced $13.6 million to kick start Emu Swamp Dam which is fantastic news for the farmers on the Granite Belt.
This announcement has been anticipated after federal Labor announced they would match the federal contributions during the last election.
This announcement has been possible because of the advocacy of organisations such as Stanthorpe Chamber of Commerce and Granite Belt Water.
I would like to specifically acknowledge Stephen Tancred and Amanda Harrold, whom I have met with numerous times over the last 18 months to discuss the way forward for the project.
Six weeks ago, I wrote to the Premier discussing the water crisis that is occurring on the Granite Belt and across Southern Downs. I have called for a water security summit to be held involving all levels of government to address the emergent lack of urban water for our towns.
People right across the region are doing it tough. Whether it be the need to hand feed stock, watch their crops die or seeing businesses close. Despite these difficulties the community remains determined to survive and everyone is doing their best to reduce water usage.
The Palaszczuk Labor Government have contributed $950,000 to Southern Downs Regional Council already to investigate and improve existing water infrastructure, including groundwater bores and recycled water for industrial use.
I look forward to seeing the first stages of construction taking place on Emu Swamp Dam and the local jobs that it will bring.
Dam open day raises questions about camping
The Inglewood community has celebrated 50 years since the opening of Coolmunda Dam which is located 13 km east of the town and provides water to the town and surrounding farming district. (more…)