Burrendong works boost local businesses

7 July 2010

Dubbo and Wellington businesses are reaping the benefits from the $28 million Burrendong Dam safety upgrade, with labour and plant being sourced from the local area.

Around 30 people are currently working onsite for the project, with a number of those living in Wellington and sourcing food, fuel and supplies from the town.

Dubbo Sands owner Graham Colbran said the upgrade has benefitted his business.

“We’re supplying the sand for the upgrade for them to put into the wall,” Mr Colbran said.

“This is one of the larger jobs we’ve had lately and it has kept us busy.

“We’ve also got a couple of trucks subcontracted to deliver the sand so it’s not only benefitting our business but others as well.”

State Water CEO George Warne said Burrendong was one of seven upgrades the corporation was undertaking, representing a significant investment in rural infrastructure.

“These upgrades not only ensure the dams comply with new regulations on extreme flooding, they also boost regional economies,” Mr Warne said.

“State Water is committed to supporting sustainable growth in regional NSW.

“Upgrading our assets is evidence of this commitment and has helped the towns surrounding these dams through the creation of business and job opportunities.”

Macmahon Contractors are undertaking the stage one works at Burrendong and are progressing on time and to schedule, Mr Warne said.

“The contractors have informed State Water they are well advanced on raising the main dam embankment and first saddle dam, with works about to commence on the second saddle dam.”

Plant sourced locally for the project includes dump trucks, a rock screener, a loader, excavators and diggers.

The first stage of construction is set for completion by early 2011.

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