The Southern Queensland Inland and New South Wales Border Regional Water Alliance (SQINB-RWA) yesterday (September 30) committed to advancing negotiations around planning for the area’s long-term water security.
Alliance chair and Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio hosted the meeting at Toowoomba City Hall that was attended by the Queensland Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Glenn Butcher along with Mayor Vic Pennisi (Southern Downs Regional Council), Mayor Lawrence Springborg (Goondiwindi Regional Council), Mayor Tanya Milligan (Lockyer Valley Regional Council) and Mayor Peter Petty (Tenterfield Shire Council from New South Wales). Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh was unable to attend.
Mayor Antonio thanked Minister Butcher for his attendance and said the Alliance would co-operate with the state government as it advanced its regional water assessment project. He said the Alliance would complement the state’s work to identify and evaluate the most viable future water supply options.
“The Alliance Mayors appreciated the chance to speak with the Minister and are heartened by his willingness to join our future discussion with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce at the earliest opportunity,” Mayor Antonio said.
“Cooperation between the three levels of government will be a key feature of finding solutions and identifying new water sources.
