Toowoomba regional council back stalled Nathan Dam Project

Multiple local governments are backing the revival of a Darling Downs dam plan that dates back more than a century, in order to secure the state’s water and financial security.

A dam which has remained in limbo for more than a century could one day become a reality, following a key government backing.

Western Downs Regional Council, with the support of neighbouring Toowoomba Regional Council, want to revive the Nathan Dam development

The $3.4 billion project would involve building a dam 30 kilometres northeast of Taroom, as well as a $750 million 700km pipeline from the Western Downs to Toowoomba.

The project was first floated in 1922 but has faced roadblocks as recently as 2021.

The newest interaction of the plan was published by the Western Downs Regional Council back in 2023, and was officially backed by Toowoomba Regional Council this week.

Western Downs Regional Council mayor Andrew Smith said with water security at its most paramount, now was the time to finally get the project off the ground.

“The Western Downs Regional Council has long championed the Nathan Dam and Pipeline project, advocating strongly to both State and Federal Governments for its development. This project represents a transformative opportunity to secure long-term water security for our region and beyond,” he said.

“With the capacity to increase Queensland’s water storage by almost 900,000 megalitres, Nathan Dam will support water-vulnerable communities and the tens of thousands of Australians who live and work in them.”

Nathan Dam Pre-feasibility Study Water Balance Overview

Mr Smith described water as the “lifeblood of the Western Downs.”

“As the energy capital of Queensland and the second most productive agricultural region in the state, our industries, communities, and future growth depend on reliable water access,” he said.

“Nearly one-third of projects in our region’s development pipeline rely on significant water inputs. Without it, tens of billions in investment and thousands of jobs are at risk.

“With the region’s population forecast to grow and water demand increasing, the need for a new bulk water solution such as Nathan Dam is significant.

“This is not just a regional priority – without secure water, regions like the Western Downs will be unable to expand upon their already sizeable contributions to the state and federal economy.”

Mr Smith said with the support of Toowoomba Regional Council, the project was more viable than ever.

“United advocacy strengthens our case, so we welcome the recent announcement that Toowoomba Regional Council is also backing this vital initiative.”

Toowoomba Regional Council deputy mayor Rebecca Vonhoff back the Nathan Dam project.

Toowoomba Regional Council deputy mayor Rebecca Vonhoff said she agreed.

“Lending our voice (for Nathan) would really strengthen the case for their benefit, for our benefit, for Southern Downs’ benefit, and then also importantly, for southeast Queensland’s benefit,” she said.

“I agree wholeheartedly about the need for us to look at lots of options because there are huge numbers involved with water infrastructure, dams included, (but) it doesn’t change the fact that we live in what we know to be a really dry part of the world, and we need to plan for dry spells.”