The first sod has been turned at Cressbrook Dam, signalling construction is underway on the critical dam safety improvement project needed to meet modern safety and engineering standards.
The Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project (CDSIP) 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 this was an exciting day for Queensland’s largest local government-led dam safety improvement project.
“It’s fantastic to have the Treasurer here today, along with representatives from our CDSIP Alliance partners, Seymour Whyte and SMEC, to mark this milestone,” he said.
“Today’s sod turn represents the transition from planning to delivery on one of the most significant dam infrastructure projects ever undertaken by Council.
“The CDSIP reflects Council’s commitment to meeting contemporary dam safety requirements and responsibly managing critical community infrastructure.
“Cressbrook Dam is one of the Toowoomba Region’s most important assets, providing around 63 per cent of our water storage capacity. 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.
“Like dam owners across Queensland, Council is required to meet contemporary dam safety standards. As a responsible dam owner, we’re proud to be getting on with the delivery of these important improvements to ensure Cressbrook Dam continues to serve our community for generations to come.
“We thank the State Government for their contribution to the project, but as we stand here, with shovels in the ground starting construction, we’d again like to call on the Federal Government to provide financial support to aid in the delivery of the project.
“Water security is fundamental and should be a shared responsibility between all three levels of government,” he said.
Deputy Mayor and spokesperson for the Strategic Water Planning and Capital Delivery Portfolio Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff said this project represented a significant investment in the security and safety of our water supply.
“It’s an exciting time for water infrastructure across the Toowoomba Region, with the CDSIP just one of several major projects now underway or due to begin in the coming years.
“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.
“What makes this project particularly complex is that we’re carrying out major construction works on a dam all while managing the water currently stored in it, water that communities rely on every day.
“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.
“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,” she said.
Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership and Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki said construction commencing on the project was an important milestone for the Toowoomba Region.
“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 Crisafulli Government is backing practical projects that strengthen water security and protect regional Queensland communities.
“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.”
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the start of construction was a welcome milestone for the region, delivering on the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to strengthen critical water infrastructure.
“This project is about more than concrete and construction, it’s about protecting communities, securing our water supply and building the infrastructure regional Queensland needs to grow.
Seymour Whyte Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Steve Lambert praised the Seymour Whyte team and congratulated the Alliance partners on progressing this critical water infrastructure project.
“Our team is applying specialised construction knowledge to safely deliver this complex dam upgrade while the dam remains operational. Dam and worker safety are essential during construction, particularly on a constrained site in a steep and remote location.”
“We look forward to celebrating future milestones as we deliver this important dam safety project.”
The CDSIP is jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Toowoomba Regional Council.
For more information about the project, visit Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project.
