Toowoomba Regional Council has moved a motion it says will ensure Emu Creek Dam is firmly on the State Government’s radar as an option for future water.
With the State Government undertaking work on a Regional Water Assessment, Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio said it was vital Emu Creek Dam was considered as part of this assessment.
“The potential creation of a dam on the seasonal Emu Creek within the catchment of Wivenhoe Dam has been raised at Council before however has never been fully explored,” Mayor Antonio said.
“We’re fortunate to be in a position where our three dams are now full, however we can’t become complacent and need to continue planning for the future.
“Building a new dam can often take 15 years, if not longer, so it’s crucial we do the necessary preparation now to cater for the ongoing growth of the Toowoomba Region.”
He said Emu Creek Dam would give the region greater water security, boosting urban water supplies, as well as be a possible water source for irrigators.
“In addition to this, a new dam in this location would have flood mitigation benefits through the withholding of water from Wivenhoe Dam in extreme rainfall events, to the benefit of the downstream communities,” he said.
“To ensure this location is considered, we’re seeking clarification from the State Government of progress in the Regional Water Assessment and assurance that all efforts are being made to achieve early completion and publication of the outcomes.
“Given the passage of time and the lessons of recent extreme rainfall and flooding events in South East Queensland and beyond, it’s timely to seek further information on the Assessment and in particular the inclusion of the Emu Creek Dam option in the Department’s considerations.
“I will be writing to the Minister for Water Glenn Butcher to communicate our resolution to ensure Emu Creek Dam is considered by the State Government as part of the Regional Water Assessment.”
In supporting the decision, TRC Water and Waste Committee portfolio leader, Councillor Nancy Sommerfield said she hoped this would kickstart the journey for a new dam to be built.
“I proposed a feasibility study on the Emu Creek Dam previously and am glad to see it is now back on the agenda,” she said.
“The reality is, if we’d had this dam built prior to the recent rain event, we would now have another dam at capacity, which would be able to supply water to our Region.
“Let’s make sure we aren’t saying this again in another 10-15 years and get on with plans for building a new dam for our community.”
The motion was approved at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 15 March.
