19 August 2026
Southern Downs Regional Council has introduced Low Level Water Restrictions of 150 litres per person per day for Stanthorpe following Storm King Dam reaching 65 per cent capacity.
The restrictions are part of Council's proactive water management approach, helping to reduce demand early and extend the town's available water supply for as long as possible.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton thanked the Stanthorpe community for its outstanding efforts to conserve water.
"Our residents and businesses are already doing a fantastic job, and I would like to thank everyone for the care they are already taking with their water use," Mayor Hamilton said.
"On average Stanthorpe households are using 125 litres per person per day, which is already below the 150 litres per person per day target under Low Level Water Restrictions.
“This careful water management ensures that we can still celebrate Stanthorpe being named Queensland’s Top Tourism Town, and welcome visitors throughout our peak tourism period.
“Since the end of summer we have been regularly updating the State and Federal Water Ministers, giving them time to plan ahead and support our community.
“Our towns, horticultural producers, farmers, tourism operators and businesses need reliable sources of water. People love living here, and for us to thrive and grow we need water security.”
Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Low Level Water Restrictions, including permitted outdoor watering times and water-saving requirements.
Mayor Hamilton also said the recent drought declaration by the State Government provided local producers with access to much-needed support.
"Securing the drought declaration was only part of the job. We'll continue working closely with producers to help them access available assistance and make sure they're getting the support they're entitled to,” Mayor Hamilton said.
The Queensland Government has announced support measures for eligible primary producers, including:
• Emergency Drought Assistance Loan Scheme: interest-free loans of up to $50,000 for eligible landholders; and
• Drought Carry-on Finance Loan Scheme: interest-free loans of up to $250,000 for business carry-on expenses.
Mayor Hamilton said Council would continue to support producers by helping them understand available assistance, eligibility requirements, grant opportunities and application processes.
More information is available on Council’s website:
www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/DroughtSupport.
Current water use targets, FAQs, dam levels and water-saving information are available at:
https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/WaterRestrictions
Last edited date 19 Aug 2026