A $14 million project to upgrade Cooby Dam's intake tower and pipework is set to get underway from Monday 24 November, 2025.
Toowoomba Regional Council has engaged local contractor Newlands Group to upgrade the intake tower, replace pipework and upgrade the spillway weir crest to meet modern engineering standards.
TRC Strategic Water Planning and Capital Delivery portfolio spokesperson Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff said the project was vital to Cooby Dam's longevity as a critical part of the region's drinking water network.
"Cooby Dam was competed in 1942 and while the dam remains safe and continues to deliver reliable drinking water to our community, this major upgrade will ensure it serves our region reliably into the future.
"The $14 million project is fully funded by Council," Cr Vonhoff said.
"The project will replace aging pipework within the intake tower and underground tunnel, renew the intake tower itself and upgrade the spillway weir crest to meet modern engineering standards.
"As part of this, the tower will be converted from a dry structure - where water is carried inside pipes - to a 'wet tower,' where the tower itself functions as the vertical pipe. This project will deliver the first wet-tower conversion of its kind in Australia," she said.
"Council will not need to alter Cooby Dam's water level to allow the project's completion and it is expected to generate a number of local job opportunities.
"The project will also deliver minor works including fencing upgrades, installing vehicle guardrails and resurfacing the access from the top of the dam embankment to the spillway viewing area," she said.
Construction will be completed at the Cooby Dam wall picnic area, accessed via Pipeline Road. This area will be closed to the public throughout construction. It will temporarily reopen during the Christmas period when construction activities shut down, subject to water quality permitting the area to be opened.
Loveday Cove recreation area, accessed via Cooby Dam Road, will remain open to the public and operate as usual throughout construction. Access to the boat ramp, walking trails, playground and amenities as well as water-based recreation activities such as boating and fishing will not be impacted by construction.
The project is expected to take around 12 months to complete, weather permitting.
