The residents of Forrest Beach are set to receive a safer, more secure water supply courtesy of funding from Round 4 of the Newman LNP Government’s Royalties for the Regions program, which will allow future growth in residential and tourism development.

LNP Member for Hinchinbrook, Andrew Cripps said Royalties for the Regions funding would deliver a new $2.6 million water pipeline for residents of Forrest Beach, with half that funding being provided by the Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

“Over the past three years the LNP’s Royalties for the Regions program has made real progress in reversing Labor’s neglect of rural and regional Queensland,” Mr Cripps said.

“Labor has no plans to look after Queensland’s regions, but this is the type of project which will support growth in the Hinchinbrook Shire in the future”.

“The program is part of our strong plan to unlock economic opportunities and grow jobs in regional Queensland and at Forrest Beach that means opportunities for tourism.

“This 12 km water pipeline will provide a safe and reliable water supply for Forrest Beach’s population, which has increased significantly over the last 20 years, through an interconnecting water main between Forrest Beach and Ingham.

“Over the years, increasing population and demand has resulted in reduced water quantity and quality for the residents at Forrest Beach, but that is about to change.

“Forrest Beach is the only standalone bore water supply in the Hinchinbrook Shire and this project will provide residents with a safe, reliable and affordable water supply.

“The project will also ensure water supplies in Forrest Beach will be maintained during natural disasters, such as a cyclone or storm surge, resulting in infrastructure at the Forrest Beach Water Treatment Plant being damaged.’

Hinchinbrook Mayor, Rodger Bow said the Forrest Beach Water Security program had been talked about for many years, but today’s announcement would mean the people of Forrest Beach would now have access to reliable water sooner.

“The project has been discussed for a long time, but this State Government needs to be applauded for finally making it happen,” Cr Bow said.

“It would have taken two years for our Council to build this pipeline on our own, but the Royalties for the Regions funding will mean it can be built in just 12 months, which is absolutely fantastic for Forrest Beach residents.”

Today’s announcement for Hinchinbrook follows a major pledge from the Newman LNP Government for a further $500 million over 4 years to be invested in the Royalties to the Regions program from the Strong Choices plan.