By Dominique Tassell
The Stanthorpe Community Reference Panel (SCRP) had their AGM and General Meeting on Thursday 23 September 2021 at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism.
CEO Dave Burges was asked to provide an update on the various water supply opportunities currently being investigated by Council and spoke to the general SDRC water and sewerage infrastructure challenges, the current status of SDRC’s involvement with the Emu Swamp Dam project, the State Government-funded Water Security Project, the State Government-funded Water Assessment Program, and the formation and goals of the Southern Qld Inland & NSW Border Regional Water Alliance.
The CEO stated that “the panel then asked questions of the Mayor and I, and the session appeared to be well-received”.
Councillor Tancred chaired the meeting.
Duncan Ferrier was elected unopposed as President.
Dinie Ferrier was appointed as Acting Secretary at a previous meeting and will continue in that role.
Lewis Perkins was voted in as Vice President, while Steve Tremellen was elected as Treasurer.
In his President’s Report, Duncan stated that as their primary focus was water they have waited with anticipation for the process to complete.
“Our community has spent the past year trying to recover from the drought, and so from a water sustainability perspective, the final issue of water licences on 9 September to successful tendered was most welcome.
“This releases 1060ML of allocation to be put to good use.”
He stated that they now wait for Emu Swamp Dam to proceed to construction, and hope for the speedy resolution of outstanding issues.
In general business, the CEO addressed the meeting with respect to the various water supply opportunities currently being investigated by Council.
Mayor Pennisi then answered questions about the Council’s decision to become a customer of Emu Swamp Dam, the possibility of utilising recycled water, and the possible pipeline from Warwick to Stanthorpe.
