$1 million Federal funding for new Goondiwindi bores

Goondiwindi Regional Council has secured $1 million federal drought funding to establish two new artesian bores and ensure the stability of the Goondiwindi town’s water supply.

Work will begin on the new Gubbermunda bore at the George Street water treatment plant in the next few weeks. A second artesian bore, the Hutton bore, will also be established at the same site (from a different aquifer) once the design plan is completed. The bores are expected to go live by April.

Cr Scheu said he was pleased to announce that Council had secured Federal funding for these projects through the Australian Government’s Drought Communities Programme – Extension.

He was also quick to point out that the new bores would not mean the end of water restrictions in the town.

“We will need both bores, as neither aquifer is capable of delivering town the town’s full requirement for water usage by itself, even on high level restrictions,” the Mayor said.

“So without significant rain, we will need residents to continue to reduce their water usage to within the target of 150L per person per day so that our supply can cope.”

Cr Scheu assured residents that, while they would notice a change in their household’s water, the bore water would meet all Queensland Health standards for drinking water.

“Residents must remember that at the end of the day it will be bore water and vastly different to the river water everyone has become accustomed to,” said Cr Scheu.

“However, it is surely a better option than no water at all during this drought. Council will also make some improvements at the water treatment plant so that we can treat the bore water more effectively.”

Tests estimate Goondiwindi only has enough water in the river to last until mid-May to June 2020 (including water stored at the Boggabilla Weir). Establishing the new bores in Goondiwindi is just one of several sustainable long-term water supply projects across the region initiated by Council in the face of an unprecedentedly low river supply.

 “Carting water was considered, but these two bores will give long-term infrastructure and water security if we ever face this horrendous scenario again,” the Mayor said.

It is estimated that contractors will take six days to drill the Gubbermunda bore to the required depth of 500-600m. Vegetation clearing will also be required in order for contractors to access the site and Cr Scheu warned that this may affect residents who neighbour the site.

“Contractors will need to be drilling 24 hours a day,” Cr Scheu said. “I apologise in advance for any inconvenience to nearby residents - this unfortunately will be unavoidable as the water treatment plant is the only practical site to sink the bores.”

Council will be in contact with residents who may be directly affected.