Water supply upgrade supported by State funding boost
Published on 24 April 2026
Western Downs Regional Council has welcomed a major milestone in the Dalby Water Supply Upgrade Project with construction progressing on a series of purpose-built evaporation ponds at the Northern Water Treatment Plant site.
Supported by a $4.17 million contribution from the Queensland State Government under the 2024-27 Works for Queensland program, the project will play a pivotal role in ensuring future water security for the Western Downs.
Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Utilities Councillor Sam Condon said the $15.8 million project guarantees safe and reliable water supply for Dalby and surrounding residents, boosts the region's capacity to support an additional 1,400 homes and caters for future industry growth.
“Water security is absolutely critical for our region’s growth, liveability and resilience," Cr Condon said.
"With this upgrade, we’re securing supply for current and future residents, while giving business and industry the confidence to invest and expand locally.
"This investment - supported by the State Government’s Works for Queensland program - means we can address declining reliability in our existing sources and meet the additional demand from population growth and new industry, ensuring ongoing economic growth for Dalby and the wider region.
"The three new evaporation ponds, each spanning 12 hectares, are located next to the Dalby Waste and Recycling Centre and will manage up to 260 megalitres of regulated wastewater annually from the Northern Water Treatment Plant, supporting this expanded water capacity.
"This includes brine concentrate from reverse osmosis treatment and other process waste - so these ponds are essential for safely and efficiently managing all by-products as we deliver water security for a growing Western Downs."
Major works underway include bulk earthworks, pond lining installation, perimeter road construction, monitoring bore installation, and site security upgrades.
Civil Mining and Construction, the contractor appointed for this critical infrastructure, has completed the design and delivered over half the bulk earthworks, with pond lining now underway.
"The Dalby Water Supply Upgrade Project (DWSUP) was initiated after Council recognised the need to expand capacity, address declining yields from alluvial aquifers and surface water, and enhance flood resilience following the 2011 flooding at our Loudoun Water Treatment Plant," Cr Condon said.
"The project comprises several sub-projects, including new Great Artesian Basin bores, trunk pipelines, and the development of an advanced potable water treatment facility with a capacity of 2.2 megalitres per day.
"This is a great example of State and Local Government working together to deliver essential infrastructure that will support our community for generations, ensuring we can manage our water resources sustainably and protect Dalby's water supply from future pressures."
The Dalby Water Supply Evaporation Ponds Construction Project is jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Western Downs Regional Council.