COPETON AND SPLIT ROCK UPGRADE CONTRACTS AWARDED
Two contracts have been awarded for construction at Copeton and Split Rock dams in stage one of State Water Corporation's dam safety upgrade program.
Macmahon Contractors won the $31.6million Copeton contract and John Holland Pty Ltd secured the $5.6million Split Rock contract for works that will better enable the dams to withstand extreme floods.
State Water General Manager Major Projects Michael Jeffery said the upgrades were two of seven funded by the NSW Government and managed by State Water throughout regional NSW.
"Both Macmahon and John Holland have won contracts for other flood security upgrades we are managing at Blowering, Burrendong, Keepit and Chaffey dams," Mr Jeffery said.
"Fortunately they were able to source supplies and workers from the surrounding towns during construction, and I anticipate the local communities will again benefit from the construction phases at Copeton and Split Rock."
“All of State Water’s dams are safe for day-to-day operation; the flood security upgrades are in response to an improved understanding of rainfall and extreme weather patterns since the dams were built."
The work at Copeton involves construction of a 250 metre-long, 11 metre-deep fusible plug spillway.
The relocation of facilities from the Copeton Waters Recreation Park should be completed by May, following delays due to wet weather.
“The Inverell and Bingara communities and visitors will soon be able to enjoy the new water spray park, Northcott Centre and other facilities at this popular recreation area.”
At Split Rock a two-metre parapet wall will be constructed along the top of the dam wall crest to prevent the structure overtopping in the event of an extreme flood.
Both dams will continue to be operated as normal throughout construction. Water releases and the storage capacities will not be affected.
Construction at Copeton is expected to be completed in 2013, and Split Rock scheduled for completion in 2012.
State Water Corporation will continue to work with stakeholders throughout the upgrades and provide regular updates throughout the projects.
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