Toowoomba Regional Council’s Cr Nancy Sommerfield tries to put Emu Creek Dam on agenda
A Toowoomba councillor has put the long-discussed Emu Creek Dam site back on the agenda, saying the council should investigate it.
Council
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Water and waste portfolio leader Cr Nancy Sommerfield failed on Thursday to move a motion funding a feasibility study into the site.
The matter at the TRC’s ordinary meeting was defeated 4-2 in a half-empty chamber, thanks to several absences and Mayor Paul Antonio walking out of the room before the vote was cast.
Cr Sommerfield, who was disappointed in the lack of support from colleagues in the motion, said the Emu Creek Dam site was worthy of a deep dive to increase water security.
“It was the only other option looked at when we were in drought back in 2006-2007 — it was the Emu Creek Dam and the Wivenhoe Pipeline,” she said.
“It’s just been put in the top draw because the Wivenhoe pipeline was built.
“I met with the only Queensland representative of the new National Water Grid Advisory Committee, and he was really keen to do something on this.”
When asked about whether the council could afford the increased renewal costs attached to building new infrastructure, Cr Sommerfield said the economic and environmental benefits outweighed the financial implications.
“It’s delivering on economic stimulus, which would be massive for our region.”
The council is set to vote on the latest Water Futures report later this year, which will explore a variety of options to improve water security.
Cr Bill Cahill, who voted against the motion, said he was not necessarily against a new dam but questioned if the motion was premature.
“I’m not against looking at it as part of the options, but why would you pick it out before we have voted on the report?” he said.
“The other thing is the asset management for a dam and the whole of life concepts is a phenomenal amount of depreciation.
“A general business item is not the place to discuss strategic direction, there’s a process we need to go through to make sure all councillors are on the same page.
“There were many councillors uninformed or unaware about the discussions Nancy had with officials in relation to water.”