Burrendong crest raising nearing completion

21 February 2011

The crest raising component of stage one works in the flood security upgrade at Burrendong Dam is on track for completion in April, 12 months since construction commenced.

The $28 million upgrade involves raising the height of the crest along the dam wall and two saddle dams by 1.8 metres, as well as modifications to the spillway to enable the dam to withstand extreme flood events.

State Water Corporation is managing the NSW Government funded project, while crest raising construction is being carried out by Macmahon Contractors.

State Water’s general manager major projects Michael Jeffery said he was pleased with how the project had progressed.

“Despite 10 weeks of rain and the spillway operating, the project is still on track, which is a credit to Macmahon,” Mr Jeffery said.

“The crest raising of the saddle dams is complete, the main dam embankment raising works are well advanced, and there is some road work still to be completed.

“Once crest raising works are complete the spillway modification work will be carried out.”

The spillway modification component of stage one works is currently in the detailed design phase.

Following completion of the upgrade, Burrendong will be more able withstand an extreme flood event and will meet flood capacity guidelines set by the NSW Dams Safety Committee.

The upgrade has brought business to the surrounding region, with around 30 people working on site at any one time, and local sourcing of subcontractors.

“A number of people working onsite are living in Wellington and Dubbo, which means they also source their food, fuel and supplies from the towns,” Mr Jeffery said.

Once stage one works are complete the dam will be assessed to determine the priority of stage two works.

-ENDS-

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