33 MILLION BLOWERING UPGRADE COMPLETE

13 December 2010

Blowering Dam is now safer than ever following completion of a $33 million upgrade to enable the structure to withstand extreme flood events.

State Water undertook the project to raise the spillway walls and dam wall crest to meet guidelines set by the NSW Dams Safety Committee.

State Water CEO George Warne said the project was completed to schedule and budget, with a significant contribution from local suppliers and subcontractors.

“40 to 60 locals were employed through this project,” Mr Warne said.

“22 subcontractors and 130 suppliers were also engaged, many of them locals.

“The Tumut community can be proud of their contribution to upgrading this significant asset.

Macmahons Contractors undertook construction work for the project, site supervision was Professional Engineering Services and SMEC completed the detailed design. 

“I am pleased State Water has finished the first of our seven dam upgrades to allow this structure to continue to protect and serve the community.”

The recent flood events highlighted the necessity of the upgrade, Mr Warne said.

“As we’ve seen in the past few weeks the need to have dams that can withstand significant flood events is evident.

“This upgrade means the dam will continue to operate safely in the case of extreme flood conditions in the future.”

Brandy Mary Park will be re-opened to the public on Thursday, 23 December once the site has been handed back from construction company Macmahon Contractors.

Media contact: Jane Urquhart (02) 6841 2087 or 0429 449 711