October 26, 2022
Toowoomba Regional Council has begun the process for the $200 million upgrades of Cressbrook and Cooby dams, part of controversial spillway safety upgrades forced on local councils by the State Government.
Cr Rebecca Vonhoff said because of the significant cost of the project – which has been estimated to be about 40 per cent of the TRC’s annual budget – and the specific set of skills required, Council would seek Expressions of Interest before inviting written tenders.
“This will likely be the biggest project Council undertakes over the coming two to three years and it’s crucial we get it right,” Cr Vonhoff said.
“Dam upgrade works are required to meet Council’s obligations.
“Cressbrook Dam and Cooby Dam are critical so that we have water to drink and while we don’t know the exact costs for the work required to do these upgrades, the initial estimates indicate the project could cost $200 million.
“That is a lot of public money we’re investing so let’s go out to the market and engage with the specialists to get the best possible outcome.
“Council’s Dam Safety Upgrade Project will improve the long-term viability of our assets and ensure we meet all the safety requirements set out in the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008.
“Following this process Council will be able to issue formal tenders, with upgrade works expected to begin in the 2023-24 financial year.”
The mandatory spillway upgrades, which must be completed by October 2025, have been ordered by Queensland’s Dam Safety Regulator.
Similar demands, linked to spillway capacity, have been made on all Queensland councils that operate water storages, including the South Burnett Regional Council.
In April this year, the SBRC invited tenders for the assessment and project management of work on Gordonbrook Dam’s spillway.
In June last year, South Burnett councillors voted to borrow $11.8 million over three financial years to fund the project.
- Related article: Spillway To Cost $11.8 Million
