A contract has been awarded for the second stage of a safety upgrade to Keepit Dam in northeastern New South Wales.
SRG Limited was awarded the $24.4 million contract to carry out the project.
New South Wales Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, said the Keepit works were part of WaterNSW’s dam safety upgrade program, which is bringing dams into line with the most stringent contemporary standards.
“The first stage was a $2.2 million electrical relocation project that was delivered on time and below budget and has won two industry excellence awards.
“I am eager to see the industry leadership of project managers WaterNSW and their contractors continue in this second stage,” Mr Anderson said.
“We hear it all the time, but water security is so important to our region. When we continue to secure our future water supply we see the benefits throughout the whole community.
“With Keepit Dam currently just under full capacity this is a timely reminder of how important these upgrades are.”
Stage two works to strengthen the main dam wall will involve installing post-tensioned cable anchors.
WaterNSW CEO, David Harris, says the upgrade would also include finalising preparatory works that were carried out in 2014-2015 to relocate electrical equipment away from the dam wall.
“Construction is scheduled to commence early in 2017 and is expected to take two and a half years,” Mr Harris said.
“The water level of Keepit and normal water releases will not be affected by the works and the dam is safe for day-to-day operations and can safely pass the largest flood on record.”
Access to the dam wall will be restricted for safety purposes during construction but access to recreational areas will be maintained throughout the works.
