Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has begun the process to perform safety requirements on Cressbrook and Cooby Dam.
Due to the significant cost of the project and the specific set of skills required to perform the work, TRC Water and Waste Committee Chair Cr Rebecca Vonhoff said Council would invite Expressions of Interest before inviting written tenders for the packages of works associated with the delivery of the Dam Safety Upgrade Project.
“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,” she said, referring to the Dam Safety Condition Schedule issued by the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water.
“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.