Infrastructure and Local Government Minister Anthony Albanese and Human Services Minister Joe Ludwig have announced the Rudd Labor Government will offer up to $2.6million towards the Sustainable Pools Project in Toowoomba and neighbouring communities.

Mr Ludwig made the announcement in Toowoomba today with Deputy Mayor Paul Antonio.

The Government is funding the lion's share of this $2.9 million project, which will make the nine swimming pools operated by the Toowoomba Regional Council more water efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Toowoomba has been on Level Five water restrictions for more than two years, which prohibits the use of outdoor water.

The funding is part of our $800 million Community Infrastructure Program - the largest one-off investment in local infrastructure in Australia's history. The Government is investing in major community projects to support jobs and local economies during the global recession.

This project will also make a lasting difference the more than 150,000 people in the region.

Federal funding will contribute to the project across nine swimming pools. They are:

•  Toowoomba - Milne Bay Aquatic Centre;


•  Highfields Aquatic Centre;


•  Oakey Swim Centre;


•  Millmerran Aquatic Centre;


•  Pittsworth Swim Centre;


•  Clifton Municipal Swimming Pool;


•  Yarraman Pool;


•  Crows Nest Pool; and


•  Cecil Plains Pool.

The project will implement technology and install features and devices to help conserve water and energy. These are expected to include:

•  rainwater capture, storage and re-use equipment;


•  backwash recovery systems to treat and re-use pool water;


•  solar heating and pool blankets;


•  energy-efficient water and lighting fittings;


•  landscaping with drought-tolerant plants; and


•  new grandstands, deck areas and recreational areas.

More than 3,000 community projects are being funded by the Rudd Government across Australia to support jobs and local economies and deliver long-term benefits in communities.