Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald and Deputy Mayor Cr Rebecca Vonhoff have intensified efforts for external funding for the $270 million Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project. 

They released a document aimed at securing grants in the upcoming federal and Queensland Budgets, underscoring the critical need for investment in this infrastructure upgrade.

Mayor McDonald stressed the document’s timely release, within the first week of the new Council term, as he prepares to join federal and state government officials at events in Brisbane later this week.

The Mayor will be outlining the Council’s funding request to federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain and Queensland Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works Meaghan Scanlon.

The chief executive also intends to meet with Queensland State Development and Infrastructure Director-General Graham Fraine, in addition to attending an event alongside Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) representatives. 

The Council has also applied for a Disaster Ready Fund grant through the QRA.

Key facts about the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project include:

  • The project aims to widen the dam spillway, enhancing flood resilience and safeguarding downstream landholders in the Somerset Regional Council area, specifically Cressbrook Creek and Toogoolawah.
  • As required by the Queensland Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water’s guidelines, the project adheres to flood capacity modelling standards under an As Low as Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) risk-based approach.
  • Construction deadlines stipulate completion by October 2025.
  • The project budget is estimated at approximately $270 million, pending final design and approval.
  • While the project won’t expand drinking water storage, it will bolster flood capacity and resilience.
  • The council remains committed to lobbying federal and state governments for funding support to facilitate project delivery.

News source and featured image: Toowoomba Regional Council website