Council thanks to State Government for Cressbrook Dam Safety funding

Published on 23 August 2025

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald has expressed his gratitude to the State Government for its commitment of $54 million towards the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. This announcement is welcome news and will make a significant impact on this critical project and, importantly, will help us manage our financial sustainability more effectively for the betterment of our residents,” he said.

“On behalf of our entire community I wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Queensland Premier, Treasurer, Water Minister and all the State Government for coming to the aid of our residents.

“We’ve spent many, many hours, months and years advocating to the relevant State and Federal Government Ministers and officials and we’re thankful the State Government has now heard our calls and responded by committing $54 million towards the project, which is justification of our efforts.

“In addition to this commitment, I have no doubt the State Government will support our ongoing advocacy to the Federal Government for additional funding.

“An example of this is the application we have for $97 million in the Federal Government’s Round 3 Disaster Ready funding, with the outcome expected to be announced next month.

“This project isn’t just about the safety for our Region, but also for the safety of those residents who live downstream of the dam and may be impacted if there was a catastrophic failure.

“We’re committed to delivering the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project and building a safer, stronger future.

“I understand some people will question why it appears Council hasn’t set aside funding for this project in previous years; however, the reality is we’ve had a number of critical projects that were required to be delivered.

“Projects such as the Mt Kynoch water treatment plant upgrade (the water supply for the majority of the Toowoomba Region), the Perseverance raw water main replacement, the Cressbrook pump station electrical replacement and the new Clifton water treatment plant and bore are all examples of critical infrastructure that couldn’t be delayed and, in turn, impacted our ability to begin the spillway upgrade any sooner.

“I’m pleased the State Government understands this and has committed about 20% of the project cost.

"This investment will also complement the State Budget investment of $38.1 million to progress ongoing development of the Big T project.

“This is a great day for our Region and I look forward to continuing to work with the State Government moving forward on this dam important project.”

Caption: Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald and TRC Deputy Mayor Cr Rebecca Vonhoff at Cressbrook Dam.