Locally made water tankers deliver $3M boost to business, bolster economy

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has proudly taken ownership of a new fleet of water trucks as part of its $13.6 million Fleet Replacement Program for 2020-21.

Nine locally sourced Volvo trucks have been supplied to Council by Toowoomba based dealer Western Truck Group and especially fitted with fittings and water tanks supplied and fitted by Toowoomba's Felco Manufacturing.

TRC Infrastructure Committee Chair Councillor Carol Taylor said the vehicles would be used by TRC’s Fleet and Logistics and Construction and Maintenance Branches for road works throughout the Region.

“Council’s fleet consists of more than 2,400 assets, which includes passenger and light commercials vehicles, trucks, heavy plant, mowers, trailers and equipment,” Cr Taylor said.

“Council will spend $13.6 million this financial year to replace ageing and outdated assets to ensure we can continue to provide best quality services to the community.”

TRC’s Fleet Replacement Program aims to decrease repair costs and downtime, while providing Council with safe, fit-for-purpose vehicles and plant equipment.

The vast majority of the fleet replacement budget is expected to be spent with local suppliers — this financial year alone about 90 per cent has been spent locally.

“This is a great example of what can be achieved with local businesses who continue to excel in innovation and the supply of quality fleet,” Cr Taylor said.

“Thank you to Western Truck Group, Felco Manufacturing and TRC’s Fleet and Logistics team for working together to shine a light on local quality and expertise.”

The delivery included seven Volvo FMX11s fitted with 12,000 litre tanks and two twin-steer Volvo FMX11s with 16,000 litres tanks.

TRC Infrastructure Services Portfolio Leader Councillor Melissa Taylor said the new fleet was an essential part of service delivery for Council and a great outcome for local business and industry.

“Locally manufactured water tankers and fittings as well as locally supplied vehicles bolsters our economy and helps to create more jobs and skills within the Region,” Cr Taylor said.

“This $3 million investment into locally sourced and delivered water trucks is collaboration at its best and shows how Council’s procurement focus can support our local community.”

Managing Director of Felco Manufacturing, Tim Wheeler said the company had been supporting local industry for more than a decade with construction and servicing of water trucks across the Toowoomba Region.

“We believe providing products that offer excellent service and great value is vital to growing our local Toowoomba business in an effort to support and benefit the growth of our great Region,” Mr Wheeler said.

“Partnering with other local business and industry, such as Western Truck Group, to supply value added products helps to foster long term investment value for Council and we greatly appreciate Council’s support.”

Caption: TRC Infrastructure Services Committee Chair Cr Taylor and Portfolio Leader Cr Melissa Taylor were on hand to accept the delivery of a new fleet of water trucks from Western Truck Group's Joe Stark (far right) and Felco Manufacturing's Tim Wheeler (second from right).