General News
13 November, 2024
New minister open to the idea of North West Water plan
Ann Leahy says she is willing to sit down with the Mount Isa and Cloncurry councils to discuss it.
Queensland's new Water Minister Ann Leahy says she is keen to listen to the Mount Isa and Cloncurry councils about their plan to create a new organisation that would manage the region’s water supply.
The Member for Warrego, who was also sworn in as the Minister for Local Government, said ideas that could help reduce the cost of water for local residents would be taken seriously.
“Water is a key priority, and particularly trying to drive down the cost of water for families,” Ms Leahy told North West Weekly.
“Water is essential to life and I often say that you can have all the land in the world but if you don’t have any water there’s not much you can do with it.
“So, water is absolutely key and our government is very committed to driving down the cost of living and the cost of water comes into that.”
Deb Frecklington was the LNP shadow minister for water, so Ms Leahy admitted that she was not fully across the North West Water proposal being put forward by the Cloncurry and Mount Isa councils.
However, she said she would go through the plan with the mayors.
“I would be very interested in further engagement with the stakeholders involved, particularly the councils, because this will lead into additional urban supply as well as servicing the industries up there,” the Minister said.
“I’m very keen to work closely – and have the department work very closely – with all of the stakeholders to look at the opportunities that there is, that are being put forward.
“I can see where the councils are heading, It’s all part of liveability, particularly when we go through those dry months.
“There’s no point having ample water if you can’t afford to turn the tap on.”