: News Article

NQ Water Budget Targets the Community

05/09/2002

NQ Water has moved to further engage the community in its 2002-2003 financial year budget, approved by the Board.

More than half a million dollars has been allocated to improve water quality, provide corporate sponsorships and upgrade the recreational amenity of the weirs and Lake Paluma. This includes:

• $65,000 to review drinking water guidelines throughout the operating region;
• $70,000 to support community events and education and conservation initiatives;
• $100,000 for recreational facilities along the riverbanks;
• $300,000 to further improve recreational facilities at Lake Paluma and bring camping facilities up to the standard of a modern family holiday destination.
  

NQ Water Chairman, Ian Hamilton, said there were practical and philosophical reasons to engage the community.

"Firstly, NQ Water became a local authority as a result of changes to its governing act last year," Mr Hamilton said.

"At the same time, the Board assumed the bulk water assets from the state government which were taken off the community in the late 80’s. An additional $35m in assets were acquired in the recent restructure."

"The Board recognises that it has community service obligations in line with its ‘local government’ status.
"On the practical side, the more the public learns to appreciate the catchments, the water storages and the facilities, the easier it is for us to manage it in the long run."

Mr Hamilton said the focus on Ross River would help fulfill the unmet recreational potential of the weirs.
The budget also allocated $12.4m in dividends and tax equivalents to Townsville and Thuringowa City Councils, paid as a return on bulk water assets owned by the community.

This year will also see the start of work towards building comprehensive water recycling and conservation culture in the twin cities, Mr Hamilton said.

It would be introduced over six years through $28.2m in grants to the councils, which was also part of the recent restructure.

Contact: Ian Hamilton can be reached for comment on 0418 777 284. CEO Ken Diehm is on 0438 192 082. Media Liaison Robert Dark is on 0417 623 156. – 2 Aug 2002

© 2004 NQ Water