What’s Happening?
Toowoomba Regional Council is undertaking a major water main replacement program in Yarraman. The works aim to improve the reliability, resilience and long-term security of the town’s water supply.
Council has engaged a local contractor to design and construct new sections of water main. The project will replace ageing infrastructure across several local streets and sections of the New England and D’Aguilar Highways.
Works are expected to continue until March 2027, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Why It Matters
Council says the upgrades will reduce the likelihood of pipe bursts and unplanned outages. The new infrastructure will also reduce water losses through leaks and help improve water pressure and flows.
TRC Deputy Mayor and Strategic Water Planning and Capital Delivery portfolio spokesperson Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff said the project was an important investment in Yarraman’s essential infrastructure.
“This is about making sure Yarraman has a reliable and resilient water network that continues to serve the community well into the future,” Cr Vonhoff said. “Replacing ageing water mains will reduce the likelihood of pipe bursts and unplanned outages, reduce water losses through leaks and help improve water pressure and flows across the network. It will also improve our ability to isolate sections of the network when maintenance or repairs are required, helping minimise disruptions to residents and businesses.”
Local Impact
The project covers all or sections of George, Ann, Pine, John, McDougall, Barr Smith, Mill, Davies, McDaniell, Watson and Cheadle streets.
It also includes Margaret Street on the New England Highway and Toomey and Asher streets on the D’Aguilar Highway.
Cr Vonhoff acknowledged that construction would cause some temporary inconvenience for the Yarraman community.
“There will be some impacts as this work progresses, including temporary changes to traffic and pedestrian access, construction noise and dust, and short interruptions to water supply when properties are connected to the new mains,” Cr Vonhoff said.
By The Numbers
- 13 streets are listed for new water mains and property water services across all or sections of their routes.
- 12 hours make up the standard weekday construction window, from 6.30am to 6.30pm.
- 2 highways have sections included in the works, the New England Highway and D’Aguilar Highway.
Zoom In
Traffic arrangements will change as construction progresses. These may include temporary footpath restrictions, partial road closures and temporary full road closures. Council will maintain local resident access where possible.
Water supply will continue for most of the construction period. However, temporary interruptions will occur when crews connect completed sections of the new network. Interruptions will also occur as crews transfer individual properties from the existing mains.
Cr Vonhoff said the project team and contractor would work with affected residents and businesses to minimise disruption.
“We understand these disruptions can be inconvenient, and our project team and contractor will work closely with affected residents and businesses to minimise those impacts wherever possible. Residents will be notified ahead of works in their street and prior notice will also be provided before any planned interruption to their water supply. I’d like to thank the Yarraman community in advance for their patience and cooperation while we deliver this important upgrade.”
Zoom Out
Council says the project will replace ageing water infrastructure across Yarraman and strengthen the reliability and resilience of the town’s water network.
Standard construction hours will run from Monday to Friday, from 6.30am to 6.30pm. However, some weekend, night or alternative hours may be required. This will depend on construction requirements and water supply constraints.
Council will notify affected residents in advance of high-impact works.
What To Look For Next?
Crews will continue installing and connecting sections of the new water network across Yarraman.
Meanwhile, traffic arrangements will change as construction progresses. Residents will receive advance notice of works in their street and planned water supply interruptions.
The project is expected to continue until March 2027, subject to weather and construction conditions.