What’s happening?
Toowoomba Regional Council has acquired land in Westbrook for a future water treatment plant.
The move aims to strengthen water security and support development in the high-growth corridor south-west of Toowoomba City.
TRC Mayor Geoff McDonald said the purchase allows the Council to lock in the plant’s location and position itself for government funding.
“Late last year we became aware of this opportunity, and at the December Ordinary Meeting, Council authorised the CEO to negotiate the acquisition,” he said.
“This is a location that will help strengthen our network, support growth in the south-west and provide capacity through the existing Toowoomba Bulk Water Supply network.”
Why it matters
The new plant is part of broader planning to meet housing targets set by the State Government.
Deputy Mayor Rebecca Vonhoff said outside funding is needed to fast-track delivery.
“With the scale of infrastructure required and the opportunity we have to meet the housing target requirements set by the State Government, we simply cannot deliver a new treatment plant any sooner without investment from other levels of government. But with funding, we could get it done much earlier, especially since now land is sitting there ready to build on,” she said.
She added, “We’re seeing strong interest from the development industry for housing in Westbrook, Glenvale and surrounding areas, but nothing happens without water.”
Local impact
The water treatment plant is currently planned for completion by 2034.
It forms part of a wider program that includes new trunk mains, pumping stations and reservoir upgrades.
Suburbs set to benefit include Glenvale, Drayton, Westbrook, Wyreema, Hodgson Vale, Vale View, Darling Heights, Middle Ridge and Kearneys Spring.
By the numbers
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9km of new trunk water mains are planned to transfer treated water to a new Mt Peel Reservoir and connect to the existing reservoir at Gabbinbar, strengthening supply across the south west corridor.
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2034 is the current target completion year for the plant, highlighting the long term scale of the project without additional funding.
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131 872 is the Council contact number for residents seeking more information about the project and future planning.
Zoom in
The land purchase was authorised at the December Ordinary Meeting after Council became aware of the opportunity late last year.
By securing the site early, Council can now seek state and federal funding to bring forward construction.
The location will connect into the existing Toowoomba Bulk Water Supply network, adding capacity as growth continues.
Zoom out
Water security remains central to regional growth planning.
Without new treatment capacity, housing and infrastructure projects in the south west corridor cannot progress at scale.
Council’s move signals long-term planning aligned with population growth and state housing targets.
What to look for next?
The key next step will be funding discussions with other levels of government.
If funding is secured, the project timeline could be accelerated well ahead of 2034.
For more information, residents can contact Council on 131 872.