News
16 August, 2024
Water comes to Waraba
The development of Waraba’s new suburb, Lilywood Landings, has taken another step forward, with the first sod for water and wastewater infrastructure works turned on August 7.
An initial $38.5 million in funding from the State Government for the infrastructure works will enable the development of Waraba’s first 2,500 homes.
The major wastewater works, including a wastewater pumping station, are being delivered by Unitywater in partnership with private developers.
The State funding includes $25.5 million in low-interest loans through its Building Acceleration Fund (BAF) and $13 million from its $100 million contribution to the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal Growth Areas Compact (GAC).
A further $87 million in State funding from the GAC will be earmarked for other essential infrastructure to help develop the new city, following detailed infrastructure master planning and prioritisation in consultation with the City of Moreton Bay.
This comes just two weeks after Moreton Bay’s new city of Waraba was announced as a Priority Development Area (PDA) by the State Government.
Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said these major infrastructure works are very welcome, as they will provide the foundation for the new city, which will have an estimated population of around 70,000 people.
“This first tranche of much-needed infrastructure investment will support not only the first suburb of Lilywood but also provide a foundation for the ultimate network,” he said.
“The City of Moreton Bay has been instrumental in advocating for the timely delivery of enabling infrastructure for Waraba, so today’s funding announcement by the Queensland Government is an important initial milestone.”
Cr Flannery said Council will continue to work closely with the State Government to allocate the remaining $87 million in GAC funding, including funding essential Council infrastructure, like the Caboolture River Rd upgrade.
Unitywater Chief Executive Officer Anna Jackson said water and wastewater networks are essential to protect public health, enable economic growth, and ensure environmental sustainability, with the planned works including the construction of a wastewater pumping station, four and a half kilometres of wastewater rising main, and seven odour control units.
“It’s exciting to be part of a future community from the very beginning, and we look forward over time to welcoming the new residents of Waraba as new customers of Unitywater,” she said.
State Development and Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace said she is “delighted” to start these works for Waraba, which will have around 30,000 new homes when complete.
“Today’s sod-turning event for the start of major wastewater works follows our announcement last month that Waraba will soon become Queensland’s 36th PDA, helping to support more affordable housing and jobs,” she said.
The GAC is one of 29 commitments being delivered under the $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian and Queensland governments and SEQ Council of Mayors to generate long-lasting benefits for the region.
