Ageing infrastructure a costly and growing risk
Published on 28 May 2026
A $5 billion shortfall in funding for urgently needed water and wastewater renewals has been revealed in new research, highlighting the scale of the ageing infrastructure challenge facing Queensland.
A new report from the Local Government Association of Queensland warns of a “perfect storm” facing water and wastewater services, with ageing assets causing a pipe to break every 73 minutes across the state - a worsening trend since 2018.
LGAQ President Matt Burnett said ‘The Last Drop: Fixing Queensland’s Infrastructure Cliff’ showed Queensland communities were increasingly forced to operate with infrastructure well beyond its typical service life.
“Queensland’s water infrastructure network is now entering a high-risk age profile, with an average pipe age of 58 years - and more than half the network beyond typical service life,” he said.
“The scale of this challenge is well beyond the remit of councils to fund, who are managing this ageing network despite being the level of government funded with the least financial resources.”
“There is currently no dedicated funding source for water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Queensland.”
“Councils and ratepayers cannot shoulder this significant burden and financial risk alone.”
About 90 per cent of Queensland councils directly manage water and wastewater networks for their communities, while 10 per cent do so via council-owned water utilities with a statewide network spanning more than 82,000 kilometres of water and sewerage mains.
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said the current approach was neither fair nor sustainable with Queensland councils calling for an urgent funding injection from the State Government in its upcoming June State Budget to kickstart much-needed investment in water infrastructure.
“Councils are urging the State Government to act now – or risk leaving Queensland communities of all shapes and sizes behind in the delivery of services that are fundamental to public health, liveability and long-term resilience.”
“The report shows Queenslanders are already experiencing the consequences, with supply interruptions already being felt in some households and businesses.”
“Residents and businesses need certainty that when they go to turn on the tap, the water will flow but in some areas this can no longer be guaranteed.”
“The report also offers solutions, as without urgent support, the gap between infrastructure needs and available funding in all corners of the state will continue to widen.”
Download the Report: The Last Drop: Fixing Queensland’s Infrastructure Cliff
The LGAQ will run a social media series exploring the infrastructure cliff in Queensland, featuring a case study in which Quilpie Mayor Ben Hall will break down the challenge of upgrading Quilpie’s current sewage plant with no dedicated State funding, first delivered in 1938 – to highlight the statewide challenge facing Queensland communities everywhere.
Video grab of LGAQ CEO Alison Smith available here.
For more information, please contact:
Martin Philip, Media Advisor
Phone: 07 3155 4003
Local Government Association of Queensland