What’s Happening?
Construction has officially begun on the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project, marking the move from planning to delivery. The project will bring the dam in line with modern safety and engineering standards.
Works will widen the spillway and increase the height of the section of the dam wall responsible for temporary flood capacity and mitigation measures.
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Geoff McDonald said the sod turn marked an important milestone for the project.
“Today’s sod turn represents the transition from planning to delivery on one of the most significant dam infrastructure projects ever undertaken by Council.”
Why It Matters
Cressbrook Dam provides around 63 per cent of the Toowoomba Region’s water storage capacity. Therefore, Council says the project is important for dam safety, downstream communities and the reliability of the region’s water supply.
“This project is not only about meeting modern dam safety requirements and protecting downstream communities, but also about safeguarding the long-term security and reliability of our water supply,” Cr McDonald said.
Deputy Mayor and Strategic Water Planning and Capital Delivery Portfolio spokesperson Rebecca Vonhoff said the project represents a major investment in the region’s water infrastructure.
“This is the largest investment ever made in the Toowoomba Region’s water infrastructure network and the most significant project Council has undertaken to strengthen both water security and dam safety.”
Local Impact
Construction will take place while Cressbrook Dam continues to hold water that communities use every day. As a result, Council and its project partners must manage the existing water supply alongside the major construction works.
Cr Vonhoff said the upgrades would also strengthen flood resilience and the reliability of the water supply asset.
“While these works are required to meet contemporary dam safety standards, they also protect a critical asset that also underpins our Region’s future growth and economic development.”
By The Numbers
- 63 % of the Toowoomba Region’s water storage capacity comes from Cressbrook Dam.
- More than 180,000 people rely on Cressbrook Dam for water, according to the Queensland Government.
- $54 million has been committed by the Queensland Government towards the project.
Zoom In
The Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project will widen the existing spillway. It will also increase the height of the section of the dam wall responsible for temporary flood capacity and mitigation measures.
The CDSIP Alliance consists of Toowoomba Regional Council, Seymour Whyte and SMEC. With construction underway, the alliance can now progress the safety upgrades.
“With construction now underway, the CDSIP Alliance, consisting of Council, Seymour Whyte and SMEC, can progress the delivery of these critical safety upgrades to the highest standard, strengthening both flood resilience and the long-term reliability of this vital water supply asset,” Cr Vonhoff said.
Zoom Out
The project forms part of broader investment in water infrastructure across the Toowoomba Region. Council described CDSIP as Queensland’s largest local government-led dam safety improvement project.
Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership and Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki said the Queensland Government had committed funding to the project.
“Our $54 million commitment is a significant investment in this critical piece of infrastructure and demonstrates that when regional Queensland needs investment, this Government gets on with delivering it.”
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the upgrades would support the region’s water supply.
“Cressbrook Dam is critical to the Toowoomba Region, providing water for more than 180,000 people, and these safety upgrades will help protect that supply for generations to come.”
What To Look For Next?
With construction underway, the CDSIP Alliance will progress the planned safety improvements at Cressbrook Dam.
Meanwhile, Council is seeking additional financial support from the Federal Government. The project is currently jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Toowoomba Regional Council.
“Water security is fundamental and should be a shared responsibility between all three levels of government,” Cr McDonald said.