TRC’s Principal Depot project under way

Work starts tomorrow (Friday, July 12) on a major Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) depot at Nass Road at Charlton that will help increase Council’s capacity to deliver key services and infrastructure across the Toowoomba Region.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said the project would deliver improved amenities and a better, safer working environment for staff.

“The depot will be a modern, intelligent and sustainable facility to meet the current and future needs of our staff and the communities we serve,” Mayor Antonio said.

“The project includes the construction of a central operations and management building, three workshop buildings, a central store, a nursery and a State Emergency Service (SES) Operations Centre.

“The State Emergency Service facility will have SES and Council resources co-located to provide a co-ordinated response in an emergency. The facility is jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Toowoomba Regional Council.”

Acting Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe said the Queensland Government was committed to not only helping communities recover from natural disasters, but to building greater resilience to future severe weather events.

“This new operations centre will allow local SES personnel to better respond to future natural disasters,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

Mayor Antonio said the project would help bring economic benefits to Charlton and the broader region.

“The project will generate employment in Charlton during and after construction, encouraging expansion and future development in the area,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Toowoomba-based construction company McNab Developments (QLD) has been awarded the design and construction tender and local subcontractors and suppliers will be engaged where possible.”

TRC Environment and Community Services Committee chair Cr Geoff McDonald said the depot was required to replace ageing depots at Harristown and Oakey and the Toowoomba Nursery in Ramsay Street.

“Council reviewed the suitability of facilities across the region and considered the increasing operational, maintenance and compliance costs associated with running these facilities,” Cr McDonald said.

“Through this process Council identified the need to replace these existing facilities with a new major depot which meets current requirements.

“The new facility will include a number of sustainable design elements focused on water and energy efficiency to minimise the building’s environmental impact.”

Council will seek to minimise disruptions where possible and thanks the community for its patience and co-operation during construction.

For more information on the Principal Depot project, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/principaldepot call Council on 131 872 and quote Principal Depot Project or email [email protected]