Water and Waste Committee - 13 October 2026

Topics

• Developers could carry more responsibility under proposed Toowoomba water and wastewater rules
  The Water and Waste Committee recommended revised policies that place substantial costs and maintenance obligations on developers for new connections, extensions, infrastructure modifications and defects.
  The changes could affect subdivision feasibility, development pricing and responsibilities for defects across the regional network.
• New water-meter and fire-service rules could change costs and billing for property owners
  The proposed water policy sets requirements for standard and larger meters, master and sub-meters, fire-service metering and fire-fighting water-charge adjustments.
  Property owners, bodies corporate and commercial premises may need new metering arrangements, pay prescribed fees or follow a seven-day notification process to avoid charges for fire-fighting water.
• Building near Council sewer and water assets may trigger developer-funded relocation work
  The proposed policies tighten or clarify requirements for construction near easements, maintenance holes, sewer connections and other Council infrastructure.
  Building projects involving driveways, car parks, retaining walls, swimming pools or structures near services may face approval requirements and additional costs.

Decisions

• Recommendation to adopt revised water and wastewater infrastructure policies
  The committee recommended that Council adopt the revised 2.03 Water Infrastructure Policy and 2.04 Wastewater Infrastructure Policy, together with their associated technical documents. The recommendation responds to operational experience, stakeholder feedback and updated industry and regulatory requirements; the source does not confirm final Council adoption.
  The policies are intended to create clearer and more consistent requirements for water and wastewater infrastructure across the Toowoomba region. They may affect property owners, developers and residents undertaking subdivision or building work.

Discussion

• Developer-funded infrastructure and maintenance
  Developers generally remain responsible for the cost of new sewer connections, sewer extensions, required infrastructure modifications and defects during maintenance periods. New water infrastructure is subject to inspections and a 12-month maintenance period, with developers responsible for defects and damage during that period.
  Development costs and responsibilities may increase where projects require new mains, extensions, relocations or protection of Council infrastructure.
• Water connections, disconnections and metering
  Standard water services are generally DN25 or DN32 outside diameter, with larger meters considered on written request and at the applicant’s cost. Services to built allotments cannot generally be disconnected, while services to vacant allotments may be disconnected subject to application, fees and licensed plumbing work. New developments may require master meters and separately metered common areas and units.
  Property owners and bodies corporate may face application, connection, metering and disconnection requirements and associated fees.
• Fire-service water use and meter adjustments
  Fire services have different metering requirements depending on whether they supply hose reels, hydrants or sprinkler systems. A consumer must notify Council’s Rates and Revenue Section within seven days after fire-fighting use, after which the relevant water consumption is not charged between the prior and follow-up meter readings.
  The process can prevent charges for water used to fight a fire, but residents and property managers must notify Council promptly.
• Protection of Council water and sewer infrastructure
  Building near, over or within easements and service clearance zones is subject to Council and Queensland Development Code requirements. Relocation, renewal or protection of infrastructure required because of development is generally to occur at the developer’s cost and under Council supervision or a private works arrangement.
  Owners planning buildings, driveways, car parks, retaining walls, swimming pools or other works near services may need approval and may incur infrastructure protection or relocation costs.

Impacts

• Property owners remain responsible for maintaining water services on their property, apart from Council water mains within property easements.
• House-drain blockages are generally the property owner’s responsibility and cost; Council is responsible when a blockage is found in an extension or main line.
• Residents requesting water-meter testing must pay the prescribed fee and receive at least 48 hours’ written notice before the meter is changed, with replacement metering intended to maintain supply.
• Owners and developers may be required to fund infrastructure connections, extensions, relocations, renewals, testing and repairs under the revised policies.

Places

• Toowoomba Regional Council area (service area)
  The recommended policies are intended to apply consistently across the region’s water and wastewater infrastructure.

Next

• Council to consider the committee’s recommendation to adopt the revised Water Infrastructure Policy and Wastewater Infrastructure Policy and associated documents.
  After the committee meeting; no decision date was provided.
• Property owners, developers and other applicants should check the adopted policies, technical documents and current Fees and Charges before lodging water or wastewater applications.
  When planning or applying for relevant works.

Extract

TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL WATER AND WASTE COMMITTEE Members of the Committee Councillor Bill Cahill Councillor Edwina Farquhar Councillor Gary Gardner Councillor Trevor Manteufel His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Geoff McDonald Councillor Tim McMahon Councillor James O'Shea Councillor Kerry Shine Councillor Carol Taylor Councillor Melissa Taylor Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff of 61 Toowoomba Regional Council Water and Waste Committee 13 October 2026 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.Opening of Meeting 2.Attendance including Apologies, Leave of Absence and Declarations of Conflict of Interest Reports 3.2.03 Water Infrastructure Policy and 2.04 Wastewater Infrastructure Policy 4.Meeting Concluded of 61 REPORT...