Toowoomba Regional Council has confirmed early works are now underway for the delivery of the $270 million Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project (CDSIP) – the largest dam safety upgrade ever undertaken by a local government in Queensland.
Deputy Mayor and spokesperson for Strategic Water Planning and Capital Delivery Portfolio, Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff said it was exciting to see the CDSIP beginning to move into construction phase.
“The commencement of CDSIP early works is the culmination of years of hard work by Council, the project delivery team and our CDSIP Alliance partners SMEC and Seymour Whyte,” she said.
“Late last month, we received correspondence from the Dam Safety Regulator advising us we were able to commence our early works package.
“The early works involve improving existing access roads and constructing new ones around the dam wall and spillway. These roads are essential to ensuring main construction can progress safely and efficiently.
“Once these roads have been constructed, the team will commence excavating the plunge pool, making it wider and deeper. The plunge pool is a key safety feature when Cressbrook Dam is spilling as it helps to dissipate the energy from the spilled water, reducing velocity and minimising downstream erosion.
“Construction crews will also prepare safe operating areas for the crane, batch plant and crushing plant.”
Public and private roads leading into the dam from the Somerset Region, along with selected creek crossings, have recently been improved to ensure the route is safe for construction traffic.
“The site office has already been built and after spending so much time at the dam, it’s incredible to see the changes happening and the shovels in action. We’re one of the few places in Australia working on a dam and we should be very proud of that,” said Cr Vonhoff.
Treasurer and Member for Toowoomba South, David Janetzki said the commencement of early works was a major step forward for a project that will support the region for decades to come.
“We are delivering for the Toowoomba region by investing in the critical infrastructure needed to support our growing community and secure our water future,” Treasurer Janetzki said.
“The start of construction is an important milestone for the region, and this project will help ensure Cressbrook Dam continues to provide safe, reliable water supplies while strengthening long-term water security for local families, businesses and industry.”
Mayor Geoff McDonald said the commencement of early works is a step towards the successful delivery of Queensland’s largest local government-led dam safety project.
“Upgrading an operating dam built more than 40 years ago is complex. Sixty-three per cent of the Toowoomba Region’s water storage capacity is at Cressbrook Dam. It’s a critical piece of infrastructure for our community as it supplies water to businesses and residents and provides the community with recreational spaces to enjoy,” said the Mayor.
“We’re undertaking this safety improvement project to safeguard our future and protect the lives of those living downstream.
“Council is incredibly grateful to the Queensland Government for its $54 million funding contribution. The recent State Budget included $23.22 million in 2026/27 and $14.58 million in 2027/28, which is in addition to the funding already provided in 25/26,” Mayor McDonald said.
