Contract awarded for Chaffey construction

NSW Minister for Water Phillip Costa today announced the $8.6 million contract for construction in Stage 1 of the Chaffey Dam safety upgrade has been awarded to John Holland.

Minister Costa said the contract involves constructing a 35 metre-wide spillway and 4.5 metre high fuseplug to ensure the dam can withstand an extreme flood event.

“This upgrade will protect one of the Tamworth community’s most precious assets for the long term and will generate economic benefits and bring unique skill sets to the region,” Minister
Costa said.

“The project will benefit the Tamworth region through the purchase of supplies and hire of subcontractors locally.

“The NSW Government is funding seven dam safety upgrades, with a total investment of more than $260 million into regional infrastructure across the state.

“This investment ensures dams throughout regional NSW comply with flood security regulations set by the NSW Dams Safety Committee.

“All of State Water’s storages are safe for day-to-day operation and can easily handle the largest flood on record.

“The upgrades will enable the dams can withstand extreme floods and earthquakes in line with up-to-date research on the probability of such events.

“Our priority is to upgrade the dam to protect the community from extreme floods and earthquakes.

“It’s important to note the upgrade will not affect any future augmentation, which can still be carried out in addition to the upgrade.”

Construction is expected to begin around June and to be completed in 2011.

Media contact: Claire March 0403 937 849.