A Brisbane company has been awarded the $4.5 million contract to advance investigations into the viability of Emu Swamp Dam.
The joint state and federal government contract ($3 million Queensland, $1.5 federal) has been awarded to Queensland Water Resources, a Brisbane-based company started in November 2025.
Submissions closed for the contract on the 26 June this year, within days of submissions opening.
Queensland Water Resources is headed by civil engineer Kevin McAlpine who also heads NQ Resources, an advisory and delivery operation for mining and energy transition. He also has experience with QCoal and Thiess.
The company opened its office in Stanthorpe last week before Minister Leahy’s office made the official announcement. Member for the Southern Downs James Lister, Minister Leahy, Mr McAlpine and former mayor Vic Pennisi were there to cut the ribbon.
It is understood that Mr Pennisi has taken a position with QWR. The former mayor has a long history will bring many years of knowledge to the project.
In a press release sent out last Friday, Minister Leahy’s office welcomed the appointment and included Mr Lister who spoke of the district running out of water in the last drought.
“Our government is committed to supporting regional communities with the infrastructure they need to be resilient, productive and prepared for the future,” Ms Leahy said.
The Town & Country Journal contacted Mr McAlpine but were told that all media inquiries had to go through Minister Leahy’s media team.
Mr Lister posted a photo of the official opening of QWR’s Stanthorpe office on Friday afternoon.
Local reaction to the news has been mixed with some welcoming comments but many residents expressing frustration at the long delays to water security for the region:
“Our great grandkids might see this happen,” and “It’s about bloody time”, and “another talkfest?” balanced by “fantastic” and “good news”.
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