Council upgrades water distribution system ahead of future Highfields growth

A new trunk water main is laying the groundwork for future development and job creation in the Highfields area. Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said $9.5 million in upgrades to the Highfields water supply network will accommodate anticipated growth as well as improve water pressure and supply to existing residents. “This project started in 2018 as a multi-year, multi-stage program to increase capacity and improve water treatment services. “The fantastic lifestyle in our region will see our population continue to climb and Council has made a strategic decision to enhance and upgrade our water distribution network to cater for growth,” Mayor McDonald said. “This latest phase of the project will ensure water supply and pressure to meet both current and future demands for future commercial and residential areas,” he said. “Council has invested $40 million in recent upgrades to Mt Kynoch Water Treatment Plant implement modern water treatment processes and we will continue to roll out infrastructure to our regional communities. “A secure and reliable water supply will always be the highest priority for Council and these upgrades will benefit the Highfields community for many years to come.” Toowoomba Region Deputy Mayor and Strategic Water Planning and Capital Delivery portfolio spokesperson Cr Rebecca Vonhoff said the new main runs approximately 5.5km through Highfields to the Borghardt Road Pump Station. “The new dedicated trunk main will allow Council to fill the reservoir while the pump station is running significantly increasing the volume of water that can be delivered into the Highfields area from Mt Kynoch Water Treatment Plant,” Cr Vonhoff said. “Highfields nearly ran out of water during an unexpected high demand event last year and the upgrade will allow the network to supply high demands during summer, without the risk of losing supply,” she said. “To be successful we all need to work together to ensure our water security. These new upgrades are a very important part of the puzzle.” Cr Vonhoff said the pump station upgrade is expected to be finished by the end of 2024 and includes a new shed and pump set with a back-up generator to ensure the pumps are not affected by power outages. “The new pump set is expected to meet projected demand until 2056. This is Council planning for the future and making strategic decisions for the next generation of residents,” Cr Vonhoff said.