The Southern Water Treatment Plant Project is a major investment in the Toowoomba Region’s water supply. The new facility will be built at Westbrook, approximately 12km south-west of Toowoomba.
The project will include:
- a new water treatment plant capable of treating up to 25 million litres of water each day
- a 10 million litre treated water reservoir
- a water pumping station
- around 15 km of new water mains.
The project will help provide a reliable water supply for the future. It will deliver long-term water security, support population growth, strengthen the water network and ensure existing and future communities have access to safe and reliable water services.
Completion of the project will enable the delivery of approximately 17,000 new dwellings in the first 10 years, along with essential community infrastructure including schools, health services and local community centres.
The Southern Water Treatment Plant Project will help meet the growing demand for water in the Region. The new plant will treat water from existing raw water sources, increasing our water treatment capacity and reducing reliance on the Mt Kynoch Water Treatment Plant.
The plant will employ the latest advancements in treatment and control technologies, ensuring the reliable delivery of high-quality, safe drinking water to residents, both now and into the future.
Timeline and milestones
The project will be delivered in several stages from 2026 to 2029. The timeline below shows the key phases, major milestones and expected delivery timeframes. It begins with the Expression of Interest (EOI) phase, followed by the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase, before progressing into construction activities, including early works and main works.
Local employment and supplier opportunities
The project will provide opportunities for local suppliers, businesses and workers across the Region.
A dedicated Industry Capability Network (ICN) portal will allow suppliers, subcontractors and contractors to register their interest and showcase their capabilities and experience. Information about registered businesses will be made available to shortlisted contractors to encourage the use of local suppliers and services throughout the project.
By working with local suppliers wherever possible, the project aims to maximise economic benefits for the Region and support the local community. The appointed contractor will be expected to support and promote opportunities for local suppliers, workforce participation and skills development throughout project delivery.
We will encourage local participation through ongoing market engagement activities and collaboration with industry groups.
The Southern Water Treatment Plant Project has been awarded $145 million through the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund (RAF).
Our Region continues to experience strong population growth and increasing demand for housing.
The funding will help deliver the critical water infrastructure needed to support future growth and unlock new housing opportunities.
The project is expected to enable up to 33,000 new dwellings by 2046 and provide a secure water supply to the Toowoomba Showgrounds precinct ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Caption: Representatives from the Queensland Government and Council at the Southern Water Treatment Plant funding announcement, July 2026.