General News
23 September, 2025
Feds next target for Cressbrook Dam funding
Following the $54 million commitment from the State Government to the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project (CDSIP), Toowoomba Regional Council is urging the Federal Government to provide funding to help deliver the initiative.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said Council needs all levels of government working together to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of our water supply.
“Earlier this year, we applied for $97 million in funding from round three of the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund 2025-26,” Mayor McDonald said.
“Regardless of the outcome of our funding application through the Disaster Ready Fund, we’re calling on the Federal Government to recognise the importance of this project, with their own funding commitment because this project is dam important.”
The total cost of the CDSIP is expected to be $266.1 million.
Successful Disaster Ready Fund applicants are expected to be announced this month.
Mayor McDonald said the CDSIP is currently funded through the Region’s water charges, with the assistance of the $54 million commitment from the State Government.
“A Federal Government funding investment would support community safety, protect downstream residents, improve disaster resilience and strengthen our Region’s long-term water security,” he said.
“Providing funding assistance means more than contributing to a successful project delivery.
“We appreciate the State Government’s $54 million contribution to the CDSIP.
“However, the cost of the remainder of this project shouldn’t fall to Toowoomba Region ratepayers.
“We invite any Federal MPs to join us on site, because until you’re here at the dam wall, you can’t see it, you can’t feel it, you can’t touch it, you can’t understand it.
“This is a massive project. We are calling on the support of the Federal Government to help us build a safer, stronger future for the Toowoomba Region.”
Mayor McDonald said the CDSIP is committed to delivering the highest practicable level of dam safety, ensuring our infrastructure meets modern safety and engineering standards, protects communities, and withstands future challenges with resilience and reliability.
“Our goal is to ensure Council has the right solution and that the project is done once and done properly,” he said.
