Residents of Toowoomba and Southern Downs can have their say on the proposed pipeline route and the water contingency plan.
“Your feedback is important and will help the department understand what’s important to members of the local community,” a spokesperson for the department said.
The consultation period opened on Thursday 17 February and will close on Friday 18 March 2022.
The proposed pipeline would extend south from the existing raw water pipeline system between Wivenhoe Dam and Toowoomba, to deliver raw water to Warwick’s water system.
In addition, an independent engineer has been engaged to assess Toowoomba’s ongoing water security and options so that the community can have confidence in Toowoomba’s water security.
It would be used as a contingency measure for drought conditions experienced by Southern Downs Regional Council, rather than a routine water source.
The pipeline design could also enable the future provision of a daily raw water supply to the Toowoomba Regional Council satellite towns of Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby, and Clifton.
The department is currently working collaboratively with Seqwater, Sunwater, Toowoomba Regional Council, and Southern Downs Regional Council to understand the costs and options which might be involved if the pipeline is built, including design of the proposed pipeline, and engaging with the community to get their views.
The Warwick to Toowoomba Water Pipeline Project was proposed in April last year, as part of a $20 million drought resilience package from the Palaszczuk Government for the Southern Downs region in April 2021.
The package includes $8.1 million towards preparatory works for the pipeline, including detailed design, environmental approvals, surveying and geotechnical works.
It followed the extreme stress placed on Leslie Dam supplies during supply emergencies years prior.
The government estimates it will take around 18 months to construct a pipeline from Toowoomba to Warwick.
For more information visit the Queensland Government website.