Charters Towers Regional Council has reached a major milestone in securing the region's long term water future. The first construction contracts have now been awarded for the Water for Growth project, marking the start of a transformative upgrade to the town's ageing water network.
The project, jointly funded by Charters Towers Regional Council and the Queensland Government under the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP) 2024–28, represents a significant investment in the region’s growth, liveability and economic potential. Council is also working with Community Legacy Infrastructure Fund (CLIF) to secure additional funding for these packages.
Mayor Liz Schmidt said the project marks a turning point for the community, strengthening water capacity to drive economic development and attract new commercial and industrial investment.
“Water security is the foundation of growth, and this project gives Charters Towers the confidence to plan for more housing, more business and more opportunity.
“Businesses looking to expand or relocate need certainty, and reliable water infrastructure is a big part of that.
“This investment strengthens our ability to compete, grow and create jobs for the future,” said Mayor Schmidt.
For more than a decade, investigations have revealed critical operational and capacity issues across the town’s water distribution system, where ageing mains, limited reservoir turnover and insufficient capacity have constrained new housing development and placed increasing pressure on the existing network.
The Water for Growth project addresses these challenges through seven integrated works packages, including a new reservoir on Towers Hill, upgrades to more than 8km of trunk mains, new pump stations, and two new 5.5ML low‑level storage reservoirs to strengthen the town’s water security.
Funding has been secured for Packages 1 and 2, enabling construction to begin soon and deliver essential upgrades including modifications to the existing Towers Hill steel reservoir and the first stage of the DN525 pipeline replacement between Towers Hill and Plant Street.
The full seven‑package project is included in Council’s 2025 Federal and State Advocacy Plan, highlighting the need for further funding to deliver Packages 3–7.
Enhancing this critical water infrastructure sets the region up for future subdivisions, estate expansions and the infill development needed to support long‑term growth.
Council has worked closely with engineering consultants to finalise the design and scope of works, with construction expected to take 6–8 months.
Mayor Schmidt said the partnership with the Queensland Government has been essential.
“We are grateful for the Queensland Government’s support through the LGGSP program - this is a true collaboration delivering long‑term benefits for our community,” Mayor Liz Schmidt said, reinforcing Council’s commitment to long‑term regional growth.
The Water for Growth project is jointly funded by Charters Towers Regional Council and the Queensland Government, with an 80/20 funding split totalling approximately $10.2 million for Packages 1 and 2. However, Council is also working with Community Legacy Infrastructure Fund (CLIF) to secure additional funding for these packages and will be communicated and updated shortly.
More information about this project can be found at: https://haveyoursay.charterstowers.qld.gov.au/water-for-growth
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