Scenic Rim MP Jon Krause’s fight for water security in the Beaudesert district has paid off, as the Queensland Government outlines future capital works plans including building the South West Pipeline – and farmers and other irrigators are set to benefit in the future as a result.
In late 2019, LNP Leader, Deb Frecklington, joined Mr Krause in Beaudesert and publicly called on the Government to fast-track the construction of the South West Pipeline connecting Beaudesert to the SEQ Water Grid in order to give water security for the region.
Mr Krause said the Government should have delivered a budget this year, but had cancelled it to avoid scrutiny of public spending decisions. Last week, the Government provided an updated capital works program – and funding over the coming years to build the South West Pipeline appears in the program.
The South West Pipeline is a pipeline set to run from Cedar Grove to Beaudesert, effectively connecting Beaudesert to the rest of southeast Queensland’s water resources and meaning that water from Hinze Dam, the Wivenhoe Dam or even the Tugun Desalination Plant, as required, could be sent to Beaudesert for it’s drinking water supply.
“Connecting Beaudesert to the grid will be a huge plus for the region – it secures water for our town, including for future growth. It takes pressure off the Logan River and Maroon Dam, meaning there will be more water available to allocate to farmers and irrigators.”
“In our region, water means jobs and water means farmers being able to farm better and grow higher value crops as well.”
“The LNP understands that investment in water security is essential, and that’s why I have been on the front foot in getting this South West Pipeline brought forward.”
“I’m very pleased that my fighting for our fair share has seen the Labor Government put this pipeline in the capital works program. Labor should now deliver a budget and show all Queenslanders that these plans are locked in through the budget process and get on with building the pipeline as soon as possible.”