Council going ‘full bore’ on water infrastructure upgrades
Published on 02 September 2026
Flinders Shire Council is forging ahead with critical works to secure the region’s water supply, with a tender for the design of a new water treatment plant kicking off the Flinders Full Bore water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades.
Backed by $20 million in state funding, Flinders Full Bore is one of the most significant water infrastructure initiatives ever undertaken by Council.
It includes the development of a new water treatment plant, planning for sewer treatment plant upgrades, brand new water supply infrastructure and improvements to strategic bore assets, transforming how water is sourced, treated, and delivered across the Shire for decades to come.
Flinders Full Bore addresses long-term concerns about water quality and security, and will deliver significant community benefits, including improved drinking water quality, increased reliability of supply, and future-proofing infrastructure for future growth.
Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle said the strong response to a market sounding for the Hughenden Water Treatment Plant design development tender was a defining milestone for the project and proof that it was well and truly out of the planning phase.
“After two long years of advocacy, planning and persistence, we are finally at the point where we can say this is not just a plan anymore. It’s happening, it’s underway and we are going full bore,” said Mayor Peddle.
“Our Council made a commitment to get the foundations right, and Flinders Full Bore is an important part of delivering on that commitment.
“Investment in essential infrastructure should never be an afterthought. Nor should the maintenance, planning and long-term delivery of the services our community relies on every day.
“Getting those foundations right is what allows a community to grow with confidence.”
From left: Rebecca Rayner, Water and Sewerage Manager, Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle, Chief Executive Officer Kylie Davies, Misenka Duong, Director of Engineering.
Flinders Full Bore is funded by the Queensland Government through the $50 million CopperString Community Benefits Fund – the single largest funding commitment ever secured by Council for water infrastructure, and a clear vote of confidence in the region.
Mayor Peddle thanked the Queensland Government for listening to the Flinders community and funding the project, which will support the region’s growth, liveability and resilience.
“Flinders Full Bore is a big step for our future,” said Mayor Peddle. “It gives confidence to the people who already call our Shire home and to those looking to invest, live and build here for generations to come.”
Following the tender closing on 28 August, Council is reviewing tender submissions and will announce the successful tenderer in the coming weeks. Design development will then begin immediately, keeping the project firmly on track for completion by Q3 2028.
The design development work will establish the technical solution for the new treatment plant and provide the detailed engineering foundation required for future construction activities.
Mayor Peddle said as the project moved through design and into construction, opportunities would be created for local businesses, contractors and suppliers to participate in delivery.
“Over the coming months, Council and the project team will progress tender evaluations, commence stakeholder engagement, and prepare for the commencement of detailed design activities,” said Mayor Peddle.
“These milestones will position the project for future construction delivery and bring the community’s vision of a modern, resilient and sustainable water network for Flinders Shire closer to reality.”
Fast facts about Flinders Full Bore:
- A major investment in Hughenden, Prairie and Torrens Creek, improving water security and drinking water quality while preparing Flinders Shire for future growth.
- Project investment: $20 million through the Queensland Government’s $50 million CopperString Community Benefits Fund
- The project includes:
- Construction of a new 4 ML/day Water Treatment Plant in Hughenden to improve water quality and address turbidity, discolouration and current treatment limitations.
- Four new and replacement water bores across Hughenden, Prairie and Torrens Creek, supported by upgraded pumps, pipelines, power and telemetry systems.
- Additional storage to support firefighting and operational resilience, complemented by a new water and wastewater asset management strategy and community water conservation initiatives.
- Completion: Targeted for Q3 2028 with the commissioning of the Water Treatment Plant
Visit www.flinders.qld.gov.au/Flinders-Full-Bore for more information about Flinders Full Bore.