NSW Water Minister, Melinda Pavey, has announced key engineering and environmental advisors have been appointed for the raising of the Wyangala Dam wall.
A Stantec-GHD joint venture had been engaged for the project, which aimed to increase Wyangala’s storage capacity by 53 per cent, or an additional 650GL.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, said she was extremely pleased this vital project had been given a commitment of ‘shovels in the ground’ by October 2020 from the minister.
“The Wyangala Dam project is a $650 million investment from the NSW Nationals Government and the Commonwealth into the water security and supply for the Lachlan Valley,” Ms Cooke said.
“With COVID-19 dominating life right now, it is so important we don’t forget about the ongoing drought and the projects that will restart the economy, particularly in regional areas.
“This appointment is a fantastic vote of confidence from the government, and I am so pleased this project is taking its next steps.”
WaterNSW Manager, Communications and Engagement, David Hogan, said the COVID-19 pandemic will change the way the utility intended to consult the community.
“While WaterNSW prides itself on showing up and having face-to-face conversations with the community on all our projects, regretfully for the foreseeable future, due to COVID–19, we have to change our approach,” Mr Hogan said.
“We will be implementing new tools and approaches to keep the community updated and informed through local media, newsletters and online.”
The dam wall construction is scheduled to begin in October 2021.