Council endorses Sewerage Strategy reports

With an eye on future development, Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has undertaken comprehensive Sewerage Catchment Study Planning Reports for two of the Region’s growth areas.

Reports for ‘Highfields and Meringandan’ and the ‘North Toowoomba’ areas of the Region were both endorsed by Council this month at the Ordinary Meeting of Council.

TRC Water and Waste Committee Portfolio Chair Rebecca Vonhoff said these were important documents which helped map out the future network demand and associated costs for the next 40 years.

“The Toowoomba Region covers such a large area and within that space we have thousands of kilometres of infrastructure that is ageing and needs to be replaced and/or upgraded,” Cr Vonhoff said.

“It’s crucial we have reports like this in place which look at the long-term future so we can identify infrastructure requirements to sewer existing small lots, and to develop programs to resolve any existing deficiencies.

“The studies have found that while there is generally sufficient capacity to cater for growth in the short term, significant investment will be needed over the next 40 years. The combined estimated costs for these projects is more than $60 million.

“With these reports now endorsed by Council we can begin mapping out the key milestones to ensure adequate resourcing is placed in future Budgets to undertake the necessary works required.

“The Planning Reports will form part of an overall Sewerage Strategy that will continue to inform the strategic directions of the business.”

For more information, contact Council on 131 872.