Construction has begun on a major water security project at Gympie’s Jones Hill Water Treatment Plant.
The project will replace the plant’s existing sedimentation tank, which has reached the end of its serviceable life.
Gympie Regional Council said the works are the first project to be delivered under its newly established Water Alliance.
The Jones Hill Water Treatment Plant is a critical part of the council’s water supply network, supporting safe and reliable drinking water for Gympie and surrounding communities.
Why is the Jones Hill upgrade needed?
The sedimentation tank replacement forms part of a multi-year staged upgrade program at the plant.
That program will address ageing infrastructure and help the council manage future demand across the region.
Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said reliable water infrastructure is central to the region’s growth.
“Reliable water infrastructure is essential for supporting our communities, attracting investment and enabling future growth across the region,” Hartwig said. “The investment of $42 million by the Queensland Government is allowing us to start delivering critical trunk infrastructure while also planning for the population growth we are experiencing.”
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How does the project support housing and growth?
The project has been supported through the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund.
The fund is designed to help councils deliver enabling infrastructure that supports housing supply and regional development.
Hartwig said the council had worked with the Queensland Government to bring the projects to construction readiness.
“We’ve worked hard in partnership with the Queensland Government to get these projects shovel ready, and it’s great to see the start of this first project as part of this larger investment,” he said. “We look forward to the Crisafulli Government continuing to work hand in hand with us by investing in what will unlock generational residential and economic growth, not just for the Gympie region, but for Queensland.”
What has the Queensland Government said?
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said projects across Gympie, Maryborough and Hervey Bay showed the Residential Activation Fund was delivering infrastructure on the ground.
“We are working hand-in-hand with councils and industry to remove barriers to development and ensure Queensland has a strong pipeline of new housing for years to come,” Bleijie said.
Member for Gympie Tony Perrett said the investment would help support local growth and housing.
“The Crisafulli Government understands that housing starts with infrastructure, which is why this investment in Gympie’s water infrastructure is so important for our region,” Perrett said.
What happens next?
The sedimentation tank replacement is the first major project under the Jones Hill Water Treatment Plant staged upgrade program.
Council said the broader program will improve ageing assets at the plant and support the region’s long-term drinking water needs.
Further information is available through Gympie Regional Council.
