Southeast Qld won't run out of water: govt
Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles has denied a report that people in the state's southeast could soon be forced to ration water.
The confidential report, produced by Seqwater, Urban Utilities, Unitywater, and the Gold Coast, Logan and Redland councils was handed to Water Minister Glenn Butcher in December 2020.
The report, obtained by Brisbane Times, says that a rising population will put heavy pressure on water resources over the next 25 years.
If more dams and desalination plants are not built, the report warns, the southeast could be forced into water rationing whenever dam levels drop below 50 per cent.
Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset residents would be limited to 140 litres of water per day and sprinkler use curtailed.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles says he's yet to see the report, but he stressed that strategies were in place to secure water supplies.
"The water department is constantly working to model out how population growth will impact on water supplies and what strategies we can put in place to address it," he told reporters on Friday.
"I haven't seen that that particular report but no doubt they're aware of it, and are looking at it.
"As I say, the water department has lots of work underway to develop strategies that can ensure that we have sufficient water to address what is a booming population growth here in the southeast."
The region's water levels have been consistently below 60 per cent since September 2020, with current levels at 58.8 per cent.
Liberal National Party water spokeswoman Deb Frecklington said the state government should secure drinking water supplies as soon as possible.
"People expect the state government to have a plan for water security but their only plan is to sit on their hands and pray for rain," she said in a statement.
"It's hugely concerning for southeast Queensland residents who will face water restrictions more often when the SEQ water grid drops below 50 per cent."
Solutions to supply issues suggested by Seqwater include the controversial $2.6 billion Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme.
That would pump recycled water, highly treated wastewater, into homes and businesses.
