Water to flow in Ilfracombe

November 19, 2020

The community of Ilfracombe has a permanent and reliable water source thanks to the opening of a new desalination plant in the Central Queensland town, which has delivered onsite storage of potable water and new wastewater ponds.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said rural communities had suffered from the effects of drought and water shortages for too long.

“The project not only provided jobs to the 16 workers employed during construction but will also provide long-lasting benefits for the Ilfracombe community, which has been significantly affected by drought,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Water security is vital to regional communities and this project will shore up local supply into the future.

“We know how vital this is for our regional communities reeling from the impacts of drought and COVID-19, which is why we will continue to deliver projects under our regional programs and our record $110 billion infrastructure pipeline, supporting local jobs and economies at a time when it is needed most.”

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the Australian Government stood shoulder-to-shoulder with regional and rural communities.

“The regions have been doing it tough through drought and we will be here to support them through dedicated initiatives such as the Drought Communities Programme Extension,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Drought doesn’t just hurt farmers. It hurts small businesses and the wider community as well, but with DCP Extension funding we can keep money flowing through areas that have been affected.

“DCP Extension projects deliver immediate cash injections to communities to help keep locals employed, businesses open and money flowing through drought-affected regional economies.

“Communities should rest assured the Government continues to have their back.”

Longreach Mayor Anthony Rayner said the whole community including residents, businesses and tourists would benefit from the security of safe and reliable drinking water.

“Over the last four to five years the community of Ilfracombe has gone within weeks of running out of water on several occasions,” Cr Rayner said.

“This desalination plant ensures reliable drinking water to the community of Ilfracombe on a permanent basis.

“Tourism numbers are considerable but the majority of the 200 plus residents will benefit on a daily basis.”

The project was jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $1 million and Longreach Regional Council $144,819.