Business boosted by Keepit upgrade
16 November 2010
The $146.4 million upgrade at Keepit Dam continues to benefit economies of Tamworth and Gunnedah as work progresses to improve the structure’s ability to withstand extreme floods.
Funded by the NSW Government the project is being managed by State Water Corporation, with a number of local businesses subcontracted to the upgrade.
Mackellar Excavations Director Brendon Mackellar of Gunnedah said he has supplied three dump trucks, two excavators, two graders and four semi-trailers for the project.
“We’ve been working on the upgrade from day one,” Mr Mackellar said.
“We’ve employed six or eight more people to help with the work; we’ve got two young girls out on dump trucks,” he said.
“It’s a pretty large job for us and has allowed us to grow the business.
“We’ve bought a lot of new gear for the work at Keepit and with the mines coming to Gunnedah we can now look to doing work there as well.”
Manager of Blackwoods in Tamworth Peter Owens said his business was also engaged by project contractors John Holland Pty Ltd.
“The sales we have been getting from the Keepit upgrade have been excellent,” Mr Owen said.
“As industrial suppliers we’ve been able to provide a range of products to John Holland, from power tools to safety gear and various other materials for their work on the upgrade.”
John Holland Project Manager Phil Mouton said 30 to 40 local jobs had been created through the project.
“We always prefer to employ from the local area where possible,” Mr Mouton said.
Excavation works are continuing on the upgrade, as well as works to install anchor bars at the right abutment spillway and slab anchors at the subsidiary dam.
State Water’s Keepit Upgrade Site Co-ordinator Russell Sainsbury said the project had altered the landscape of the site.
“It has been really exciting to see the site transformed over the past few months as the excavation works continue and preparation for concrete pouring takes place,” Mr Sainsbury said.
“Although there are significant changes being made, the Keepit State Recreation Park is still open for business, and access won’t be affected by the works.”
Keepit Dam is currently at 87% of capacity.
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