Improvement works moving ahead at Hume

16 November 2010

A Bauer drilling rig imported from Germany has been tested for use as part of the $60 million Hume Dam improvement works.

Project contractor Advanced Foundation Solutions (AFS) purchased the rig to drill holes to make way for the installation of improved drainage systems at the spillway southern junction.

The Hume works are part of improvement programs occurring across NSW, Victoria and South Australia and are jointly funded by each state’s government and the Commonwealth through the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA).

Mel Jackson from State Water’s major projects unit said the dam improvements were progressing well, with a smaller drilling rig undertaking initial works since June this year.

“The Bauer BG40 drilling rig was commissioned and assembled in July, with trials taking place in August and continuing this month.  Work at the spillway southern junction is likely to commence later this year,” Mr Jackson said.

Initial planning has also commenced on the construction of a buttress on the southern training wall.

“The detailed design of southern training wall works is expected to be completed by early next year and we are looking to award the construction contract by mid next year.

“The works at Hume are designed to improve the structure’s capacity to withstand extreme floods and earthquake events and bring the dam into line with contemporary best practice,” Mr Jackson said.

“The dam can safely manage a flood significantly greater than the largest flood on record; these works will enable it to withstand the biggest flood predicted with modern weather technology and understanding.”

The Albury-Wodonga community is expected to benefit from the $60 million works through the hire of subcontractors and purchase of supplies from the local area.

The upgrade will not change the storage capacity or outflows from the dam under normal operating conditions.

 

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