Council to take over day-to-day management of Ross River Dam

Townsville City Council will take over the day-to-day management of the Ross River Dam.

Council today approved not renewing its existing contract with Sunwater when it expires at the end of the financial year.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said better value to ratepayers and improved service could be delivered through using Council’s own expert staff.

“The contract with Sunwater was examined very thoroughly and Council believes the best deal in terms of cost savings and service delivery will come through taking over the day-to-day operations of the Ross River Dam,” Cr Hill said.

“Council owns the Dam and there are benefits that can be achieved if we take over the management of the infrastructure on a daily basis.”

Townsville Water and Waste Committee Chair Cr Russ Cook said the decision to not renew the contract with Sunwater was extensively researched.

“Council is always looking at ways to secure better value or services for our community and that’s why the contract with Sunwater was put through such a rigorous review process,” Cr Cook said.

“Council staff have been reviewing this contract to try and secure a better deal since mid-2018 and the decision is not related to the unprecedented monsoon.”