Keepit upgrade

Keepit Dam

  • Construction on the right-hand abutment spillwayLocated on the Namoi River, 30km downstream from Gunnedah
  • Dam completed in 1960
  • Storage capacity of 425,510 megalitres

About the upgrade

  • Cost in excess of $100 million
  • Funded by the NSW State Government
  • 2009 start date
  • 2012 expected completion 

Description

Upgrade to comply with ANCOLD and DSC safety standards. Construct two spillways, three saddle dams and raise the main dam wall. Storage capacity and water releases will not be altered by the upgrade.

Benefits

  • Improved ability of dam to withstand extreme flooding
  • Stimulated local economy during construction phase
  • Increased sustainable regional development
  • Improved environmental outcomes through implementation of a biodiversity offset plan

Milestones

Construction of two spillways (work package one)

  • August 2009 completion of design
  • March 2010 commence construction
  • September 2011 complete construction

Raise the main dam wall (work package two)

  • September 2010 design completed
  • 2014 commence construction
  • 2016 complete construction

Updates

  • January 2010 NSW Government announces funding for upgrade.
  • March 2010 construction commences.
  • Construction progressing according to schedule
  • The Community Construction Liason Group meeting regularly throughout the project for updates.
  • February 2011 new amenities handed back to Keepit State Park
  • June 2011 road base material donated to Lake Keepit Soaring Club
  • October 2011 works package one completed

Fact sheets

Associated documents

Media releases

Contact

Project Director: Frank Kinnas
Contact details: (02) 8245 2045