Toowoomba council extends ‘deepest gratitude’ for Qld gov’s $54m Cressbrook Dam injection

Following the announcement of the state government’s $54m lifeline for council’s Cressbrook Dam spillway upgrade, Toowoomba’s mayor has defended the decision to seek outside help.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Geoff McDonald and TRC Deputy Mayor Rebecca Vonhoff at Cressbrook Dam. Picture: Supplied

Toowoomba’s mayor has explained why council chose not to set aside funding for a critical water safety project, following the state government decision to provide a more than $50m bailout.

In a statement released on Saturday August 23, Toowoomba Regional Council mayor Geoff McDonald fervently thanked the state government for their $54m commitment to the issue plagued Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” he said.

“This announcement is welcome news and will make a significant impact on this critical project and, importantly, will help us manage our financial sustainability more effectively for the betterment of our residents.

“On behalf of our entire community I wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Queensland Premier, Treasurer, Water Minister and all the state government for coming to the aid of our residents.”

The announcement comes after years of advocacy work from TRC to secure outside funding for the safety upgrade.

An upgrade to the spillway, which would include widening the entrance and raising the crest, has been known to be a requirement since 2003 after new federal legislation was introduced.

“We’ve spent many, many hours, months and years advocating to the relevant state and federal government ministers and officials and we’re thankful the state government has now heard our calls … which is justification of our efforts,” Mr McDonald said.

Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki previously scolded council and the Labor government for a supposed lack of forward planning.

“This project has been known to the Toowoomba Regional Council for more than 15 years, but it has failed to properly prepare and budget for the project,” Mr Janetzki said.

“The former Labor government also failed to act.

“Council has recently taken proactive steps to budget and seek additional funding to support their construction efforts and the state’s contribution will now empower them to deliver the upgrade and secure our region’s water future.”

Mr McDonald said council was forced to focus funding towards critical projects, limiting their ability to tackle what is now the largest project in council’s history.

“We’re committed to delivering the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project and building a safer, stronger future,” Mr McDonald said.

“I understand some people will question why it appears council hasn’t set aside funding for this project in previous years; however, the reality is we’ve had a number of critical projects that were required to be delivered.

“Projects such as the Mt Kynoch water treatment plant upgrade (the water supply for the majority of the Toowoomba Region), the Perseverance raw water main replacement, the Cressbrook pump station electrical replacement and the new Clifton water treatment plant and bore are all examples of critical infrastructure that couldn’t be delayed and, in turn, impacted our ability to begin the spillway upgrade any sooner.

“I’m pleased the state government understands this and has committed about 20 per cent of the project cost.”

The regional mayor said council would continue their campaign efforts for federal government support.

“I have no doubt the state government will support our ongoing advocacy to the federal government for additional funding,” he said.

“An example of this is the application we have for $97m in the federal government’s Round 3 Disaster Ready funding, with the outcome expected to be announced next month.

“This project isn’t just about the safety for our region, but also for the safety of those residents who live downstream of the dam and may be impacted if there was a catastrophic failure.”