Queensland's premier says emergency plans to build a pipeline to a town that could run out of water within months could actually take about two years to complete.
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The state government is studying whether an 87-kilometre pipeline could connect the drought-stricken community of Warwick to southeast Queensland's water supply network.
The study into the pipeline, which would connect to existing infrastructure at Toowoomba, is expected to be completed in April next year.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Tuesday the pipeline could be built in about two years if the project is given the go-ahead.
The announcement of the feasibility study has been criticised by the state opposition who say the pipeline should already be under construction.
Warwick's Leslie Dam is sitting at less than six per cent, and is expected to run dry by August 2020.
Nearby Stanthorpe's Storm King Dam could be empty by the end of the year.
In the meantime Ms Palaszczuk said the government would "wait and see" what happens during the wet season.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a late summer wet season, with rain not predicted to arrive across much of the state until January.
Emergency plans are in place to truck in water to towns in the region if there is no substantial rain.
"We're going to have to wait and see what happens with the wet season," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"We are due to have a wet season. But we need to be ready and we need to plan for the future."
Southern Down Mayor Tracy Dobie said she did not think the announcement had come too late.
"I think this is just the right time for us," Cr Dobie said.
She said residents in her region were not concerned about water running out.
"No they're not ... we will ensure water continues to flow," Cr Dobie said.
She said the region had some water supplies that could see then through a little longer.
Seqwater will carry out the feasibility study with the Toowoomba and Southern Downs councils.
Opposition natural resources and mines spokesman Dale Last said construction of the project should already be underway.
"Instead of calling for a feasibility study, why isn't the Premier out here this afternoon engaging contractors, earth moving gear, excavators, dozers and starting to dig the trenches," Mr Last said.
Southern Downs MP James Lister said water security was a concern to those who live in the region.
"The prospect of running out of water worries people," Mr Lister said.
Australian Associated Press
