Locals take part as Copeton upgrade takes shape
19 October 2011
15 local people and 22 local businesses are currently engaged in the construction phase of the $60 million Copeton Dam upgrade.
The project involves construction of a 250-metre-wide spillway to bring the dam into line with modern standards for extreme floods and is one of seven State Water is managing throughout regional NSW.
State Water site co-ordinator Duncan Wilson said project contractor Macmahon had been able to source workers from Inverell, Bingara, Bundarra and Guyra.
“Of the 42 workers on site, 15 are from the local area and 17 are from other parts of regional NSW,” Mr Wilson said.
Five people have also been employed under the contractor’s Indigenous employment program.
“Almost half of the subcontractors and suppliers for the project are from Inverell, providing equipment, fuel, freight and other items.
“Macmahon has also engaged subcontractors and suppliers from Armidale, Moree and Tamworth,” he said.
Work on the upgrade is progressing to schedule, with more than 250,000 cubic metres of earth and rock moved to date.
An additional 120 tonne excavator and two additional 100 tonne dump trucks have been moved to the site as well to shift material from the Diamond Bay area to make way for the new spillway.
“The area for the temporary bypass road which will divert traffic around the works has been cleared; the road should be operational by mid December,” he said.
The second Community Consultation Liaison Group meeting will be held at the dam on Thursday, 20 October 2011 to update key stakeholders on project progress.
Copeton Waters State Park will remain open throughout construction. The water level of the dam and normal water releases will not be affected by the works.
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Media contact: Jane Urquhart (02) 6841 2087 or 0429 449 711
