The construction contract for the $50 million project to repair the Boondooma Dam spillway in Queensland’s South Burnett region has been awarded.
Australiasian civil enginerring firm Fulton Hogan was award the contract, with works involving strengthening the spillway chute, the installation of additional defensive anchors, and concrete protection of the spillway walls.
Queensland Minister for Water and Energy, Mark Bailey, said the project is essential to maintaining a secure and efficient water supply for the region and will be a welcome boost the local economy, supporting around 120 jobs.
“Boondooma Dam provides critical water supply for agricultural, domestic and industrial customers, including one of the state’s largest electricity generating sites – Tarong Power Station,” Mr Bailey said.
“The Boondooma Spillway Repair Project will address damage sustained during the 2011 and 2013 floods.
“Detailed assessments were undertaken immediately after the floods to identified priority works to minimise the impact of future extreme weather events on the dam spillway.
“SunWater’s engineering team has completed extensive drilling, geotechnical surveying and hydraulic modelling to identify the most effective and cost efficient design for the repairs.”
Queensland Treasurer, Curtis Pitt, said SunWater are confident that the dam and construction works present no additional risk to downstream residents.
“In 2013, the dam safely passed the most significant flood event on record and, based on expert analysis of the current infrastructure, we’re confident there are no immediate safety issues,” Mr Pitt said
“Construction works are scheduled to commence in January 2017 and will not impact public access to recreational amenities, and only minor traffic and noise disruptions are anticipated.”
