Toowoomba Regional Council applies for $97m in Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund for Cressbrook Dam upgrade
Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald says the federal and state governments need to come to the table over the Cressbrook Dam upgrade. This is what it will cost ratepayers if a deal can’t be reached.
Council
Don't miss out on the headlines from Council. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald says he is prepared to “roll the dice” on securing federal funding support for the $266m Cressbrook Dam upgrade, despite being rejected for the same scheme last year.
The council has lodged an application for $97m to the third round of the Labor government’s Disaster Ready Fund.
It comes several months after the TRC was rejected for about half that amount in the preceding round of the same fund.
Mr McDonald said he wanted to keep the massive project on the agenda of both the federal and state governments, ahead of the Queensland budget next month.
“We’ve rolled the dice again to keep it front of mind,” he said.
“The state will need the feds to come to the party. The second part is the state budget is handed down on June 23, so we know they’re in heavy discussions on lots of things, including how to fund their dams.
“It’s good to keep the community informed that we’re still chasing funds.”
If external support cannot be provided for the upgrade, the council will likely need to hike up rates, borrow more and delay other critical projects to help pay for it solely.
The council forecasted a $5.7m deficit for its 2024-25 budget thanks to the rising costs in waste management, electricity and fixed-term contracts, while its capital budget ballooned again due to Cressbrook.
“Despite careful financial planning, council can’t carry the cost of the Cressbrook Dam project alone without postponing other major infrastructure developments and potentially reassessing the scope and quality of delivering essential local government services,” Mr McDonald said.
“Based on the current project budget of $266.1m, the additional cost to ratepayers from the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project remains at a present value of approximately $135 per year for every rateable property year-on-year without external funding support.”
Revealed: Major childcare centre planned for leafy city suburb
A plan for large childcare centre that would back onto a quiet suburban street in Toowoomba has been submitted to the council.
‘Angry, upset’: Thousands sign petition over revamped Highfields town centre
An alternative proposal for the long-awaited Highfields town centre master plan has emerged, after more than 3000 residents signed a petition urging the council to change course on the project.
‘Humbled’: Top Cairns bureaucrat lands major Toowoomba council role
One of Cairns’ top public servants has been named to head one of the Toowoomba Regional Council’s most contentious departments. Here’s why he got the job:
‘Right decision’: Mayor defends $3m public transport levy ahead of report
Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald has again defended the council’s controversial $3m public transport levy, with options to expand the city’s network set to be handed down within weeks.
‘Things have to change’: Minister’s pledge to DFV victim-survivors
Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister Amanda Camm has vowed to turn the tide on domestic violence, signalling a potential overhaul of current funding and judicial measures.
‘Once-in-a-generation’: Land for major housing estate hits market
A huge parcel of land near the upcoming Toowoomba Hospital site is now for sale, as buyers prepare to turn it into a massive estate featuring hundreds of homes.