Negotiations for major dam upgrade

Toowoomba Regional Council has announced that, after an extensive tender process, it is entering into negotiations with a preferred tenderer for the Cressbrook Dam Safety Upgrade Project. 

Toowoomba Region Mayor, Geoff McDonald, said Council will establish a Project Alliance for delivery of the project with the preferred tenderer once tender negotiations are complete.

“This project is the single-largest project in the history of Toowoomba Regional Council and that is why a Project Alliance delivery model will be established with the preferred tenderer,” Mr McDonald said. 

“Council has resolved to move into negotiations with a preferred tenderer to deliver the project in partnership with Council under a Project Alliance.” 

At a Special Meeting of Council on 24 October, it was decided that Council:

1. Resolves based on the tenders received to award Tender TR-0678 Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project to the an undisclosed preferred tenderer 
2. Approve the Chief Executive Officer to undertake final legal, commercial and value for money negotiations with the preferred tenderer
3. Resolves to approve and prioritise funding within Council’s capital works program to meet the risk adjusted project budget over the 2023/24 to 2026/27 financial years
4. At the satisfactory conclusion of the negotiations the Chief Executive Officer is delegated authority by Council to enter into a collaborative Project Alliance Agreement with the preferred tenderer
5. Resolves that once the Contract is entered into with the preferred tenderer a report on all options for the management of Cressbrook Dam storage during the construction of the Project must be presented to Council for its consideration

Mr McDonald said that Council would also continue to advocate for Government funding to help deliver the project.

“Put simply, this project, while required to be delivered by Council, has wider implications than just the Toowoomba Region,” Mr McDonald said. 

“It will maintain the integrity of the dam wall during extreme flood events and protect landholders downstream of Cressbrook Dam, along Cressbrook Creek, in the Somerset Regional Council area including Toogoolawah.

“Additionally, Cressbrook Dam is a critical element in the proposed drought emergency water to be delivered to Warwick in the Southern Downs Regional Council via the Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline.

“I’m pleased that the Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, has recently been available to meet with me to discuss the project, and has advised Council to submit a formal business case so the State can consider Council’s request for assistance.” 

Cressbrook Dam Safety Project highlights: 

• The project will widen the dam spillway to increase flood resilience and protect landholders downstream in the Somerset Regional Council area (Cressbrook Creek, including Toogoolawah)

• The project is required as a result of the Queensland Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water’s revision of the Australian National Committee on Large Dam (ANCOLD) guidelines relating to acceptable flood capacity modelling

• Construction will start in late 2023 and must be completed by October 2025

• The project is estimated to cost between $250-$300 million (subject to final design)

• The project will not provide additional drinking water storage but will increase flood capacity and resilience

• Council will continue to advocate to Federal and State Governments for funding to help Council deliver the project

Featured image: Cressbrook Dam. Image courtesy of Toowoomba region. 

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