Community & Business
12 February, 2025
Sewerage investigation for Herberton, Tolga
AN investigation will be undertaken by Tablelands Regional Council to understand what would be involved and the cost of introducing sewerage to Tolga and Herberton.
The issue was first raised by Cr Kylie Lang at the council’s December meeting, who said the strong appeal of Tolga and its surrounds meant more people wanted to live and do business there but it was being held back by the lack of utilities that serviced other towns.
“Tolga and its surrounding areas are currently experiencing a surge in growth by new residences and businesses,” she said.
“However, this positive trend is being undermined by a significant shortcoming – the lack of adequate sewerage utilities.
“This deficiency poses a serious barrier to future advancements as it undermines public health, environmental quality and overall community wellbeing.
“To truly unlock Tolga’s full potential and enable it to thrive as a vibrant, modern community, it is crucial to prioritise the development of comprehensive sewerage services.
“This step will ensure that residents and businesses alike can flourish in a safe, sustainable environment.
“Tolga is growing - there are so many developments happening out there but we cannot go any further because of the lack of utilities in the area – it’s a well sought after area because of the lifestyle you can have there.
“Businesses want to come, businesses are growing and we just need to start looking after Tolga and that area.”
Cr Lang moved that council should undertake an investigation into what would be involved in providing the town and its surrounds with a sewerage network, and the associated costs.
Her position was strongly backed by Cr Kevin Cardew who has long been an advocate for better services for the town.
“I totally support this. I think it’s well and truly worthy of investigation now,” he said.
He said that in the past, a number of business people had spoken to him about wanting to start a business in the Tolga CBD but were “hamstrung” by the lack of sewerage being available.
“I think it’s good timing – we are going to be looking at a new town planning scheme so it would be a good opportunity in that process to include sewerage for Tolga and the area,” Cr Cardew said.
At its January meeting, Cr Cardew moved that the organisation should also be investigating sewerage for Herberton’s town centre.
He said in the wet season, sewerage ran down the gutters of the town.
“Because Herberton is built on rock, you get sewerage seepage through the layer of the rock,” he said.
Cr Dave Bilney said there were other significant towns within the footprint of the TRC and questioned why localities like Kairi, Millaa Millaa and Tarzali should not also be considered.
Cr Cardew said he agreed all towns should be looked at but the priority should be given to Tolga and Herberton.
Cr Con Spanos said while he accepted there was a need for better utilities, he questioned how the council would fund it, especially in light of other works that needed to be tackled such as the ageing Atherton sewerage treatment plant.
He said that given the State Government was reportedly in debt to the tune of $217 billion, “good luck getting funding out of the Queensland Government” in the foreseeable future.
Council agreed to look into sewerage for both towns, with Cr Bilney and Mayor Rod Marti voting against the proposal.
