Community & Business
17 July, 2024
Stanthorpe can't grow unless water issue solved
Stanthorpe water issue
Emu Swamp is one of those issues that polarise residents of the Granite Belt. The Mayor, of course, is no stranger to the political hot potato, and was well known prior to the election earlier this year for her public criticism of the now-stalled project. She spearheaded POW (Protect Our Water), an active and determined group of residents skeptical of Emu Swamp Dam proposal (see picture) and the previous council’s involvement.
Water, however, remains a preoccupation now she is on the 'inside'. Refocusing council’s priority to water for the town of Stanthorpe remains firmly on her agenda.
In a recent review of her first months with The Town & Country Journal, the Mayor agreed that water security remains the first and possibly eternal priority for the Southern Downs.
“I can’t see as we develop our priorities that won’t come out at the top of the pile.”
When it was pointed out to the Mayor that she is now on the receiving end of providing secure water for the Granite Belt, she did not flinch.
“My focus on water had always been about what council should be doing,” the Mayor responded. “What they should and shouldn’t be doing.”
“And I think what came out of the regional water assessment was a strong community feedback that they didn’t want the town and agriculture to be inextricably linked, that they both needed to continue but on their own paths, so you weren’t hampering progress in one or the other by tying them together.”
“I would say my focus, while I will continue to support and advocate for agriculture in the region, the focus is on solving water for the town. That has to be council’s priority because that’s what council is responsible for.”
“Yes, the town does depend on agriculture but the town at the moment is in a really difficult position where we won’t be able to grow unless we solve that issue. There’s a limited number of people you can cart water for and we are at that limit.”
She points out, for instance, that Warwick’s population is too large to cart water for if it ever became necessary.
“So, we won’t be allowed to make Stanthorpe grow if we don’t solve that water equation. That’s why it’s so important.”
Council has been briefed by the State government on possibilities and will soon begin the debate on water.
“That will be something up for discussion in August when we come out of budget.”
