Construction activity is ramping up in western Queensland as the $18.6 million Longreach Water Security for Growth project shifts into its next delivery phase.
Stage one of the town’s digital water meter rollout has been completed, with 800 smart meters already installed. Stage two is now underway, forming part of a program that will see more than 1,600 meters deployed across the community.
The upgrades are designed to improve visibility of water use and reduce system losses. By enabling faster detection of leaks and abnormal consumption, the council and residents can respond earlier and limit avoidable water wastage.
Alongside the metering program, approximately 3.5 kilometres of ageing water mains are scheduled for replacement from March 2026. The existing network will be upgraded with modern PVC pipework to improve durability and service reliability.
Federal Minister for Water Murray Watt said the investment highlights the role of digital technology in strengthening regional water systems.
“All three levels of government – federal, state and council – are working together to deliver this program, which will deliver reliable water for Longreach into the future,” Minister Watt said.
- Want more information on what Inside Water is up to? Sign up for our weekly email, landing in inboxes with the latest news.
- Do you want the magazine delivered to your letterbox? Sign up here to subscribe.
Weir upgrades to expand storage
Planning is also progressing for five new and upgraded weirs along the Thomson River. These structures are intended to increase local storage capacity and improve supply resilience during extended dry periods.
Construction on the weirs is expected to begin by mid-2026, subject to weather conditions.
Queensland Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the works form part of a broader commitment to strengthen regional water security.
“Of the many positives from this project, I am proud we are supporting the families and businesses of this western Queensland farming region, delivering more reliable water supply to support this community now, and for generations to come,” Minister Leahy said.
Queensland Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland Sean Dillon said replacing ageing mains would directly reduce water losses across the town.
“The replacement of ageing mains will reduce water losses and improve reliability across the town,” Dillon said. “Strong water security underpins strong regional communities. By investing in modern infrastructure and planning new weirs on the Thomson River, we are helping Longreach grow with confidence and resilience well into the future.”
Regional focus on resilience
The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund and the Queensland Government, and delivered in partnership with Longreach Regional Council.
Longreach Mayor Tony Rayner described water security as a long-term strategic priority for the region.
“Water security is the key strategic focus for our council, and this project is the culmination of years of work that will have a lasting impact on the quality of life in our community,” Mayor Rayner said. “These initiatives will contribute to the sustainable growth and development of not only our community, but the other towns across the west that rely on Longreach as a hub for services.”
With smart meters already in operation, pipeline renewal about to begin and river infrastructure in planning, the Longreach Water Security for Growth project is entering a phase where digital monitoring and physical infrastructure upgrades intersect to strengthen supply reliability for the long term.