Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is continuing to make steady progress on the design phase of the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project (CDSIP).
Deputy Mayor and spokesperson for Strategic Water Planning and Capital portfolio Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff said water security is critical for our Region and a key focus of Council.
"CDSIP is a complex project, carrying considerable risk. Our goal is to ensure Council has the right solution and that the project is done once and done properly.
"TRC is among the first referable dam owner to adopt the new 2022 Guidelines on Risk Assessment for dams. We believe the CDSIP is pioneering for the industry as other dam owners have yet to determine their approach to implementing these guidelines.
"We have responsibilities as the owner of Cressbrook Dam and so we need to make sure thedesign solution prevents loss of lives and secures our water supplyfor generations to come.
"Council is continuing to work closely with our Alliance partners to design the most appropriate solution that meets the dam safety guidelines and guarantees the safety of downstream residents. Reaching this point will represent a significant milestone in the project's progress.
"Managing dam safety requires careful planning and technical expertise. Throughout this project we've taken the Dam Safety Regulator on the journey with us, keeping him abreast of the progress made and challenges faced," Cr Vonhoff said.
"The scale and complexity of this project is significant, and it's encouraging to see TRC making steady progress toward ensuring long-term safety and resilience," Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers Director - Dam Safety Regulation, Chris Nielsen said.
In addition to design, over the past three months, Council's Alliance partners have been undertaking repair works to downstream creek crossing caused during ex TC Alfred.
"We are continuing to gradually release water from Cressbrook Dam to reach the temporary full supply level of 70 per cent. Dam levels increased from 84.25 per cent to 102.9 per cent due to recent rain fall events prior to and involving ex TC Alfred. The dam only recently stopped spilling on Friday, 6 June," Cr Vonhoff said.
"Council has reported to the Dam Safety Regulator that early geotechnical investigations to address site complexities were extended, requiring further engineering work to continue to progress the design.
"The project is also continuing to work with State Government agencies including the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the Department of Primary Industries and the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers to obtain necessary approvals in preparation for construction.
"Unlike other projects, the Alliance contracting methodology allows Council and our Alliance partners flexibility to ensure resources and costs are managed most efficiently towards a 'best for project' outcome.
"Although construction works were planned to commence earlier this year, Seymour Whyte have temporarily reallocated resources to assist with their other projects to ensure that all costs associated with the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project are spent on works related to the progression of the project," Cr Vonhoff said.
