The $189 million project to return the Northern Territory’s Manton Dam to service has made is now well over halfway to completion, and is one step closer to delivering greater water security to the Darwin region.
The project is part of the $327.6 million Darwin Region Water Supply Program Stage 1, which is jointly funded by the Federal Government ($300.6 million) and the Northern Territory Government ($27 million).
The Territory Government said that this project is supporting more than 130 local jobs while increasing patronage at local businesses, including electrical and concreting providers.
Power and Water Executive General Manager Water Services, Stephen Vlahovic, said this is another important milestone for this major project, which will help secure the future of the Darwin region’s water supply.
“Supporting the Territory lifestyle for our customers through a secure and reliable water supply is a key deliverable for us,” Mr Vlahovic said.
“We’re passionate about this project, as is the contractor, and this shines through in the progress being made.”
Key achievements to date:
- Manton Dam intake tower refurbishment: 90 per cent complete
- Rising main from Manton to Strauss: 90 per cent complete
- Strauss water treatment plant: 40 per cent complete, with steel portal structure erected and concrete structures under construction
- Pump station building: 80 per cent complete.
The Manton Dam is expected to be able to return to service by mid-2026.
Once returned to service, Manton Dam will provide an additional 7300ML of water annually to the Darwin region. This increased capacity will meet forecasted demand, enhance water security and support future economic growth in the region.
Since upgrades began in May 2024 the contractor, Exact Contracting, has completed 20km of new pipeline and major infrastructure refurbishment works.
The Australian company, established in Alice Springs, said it remains committed to local employment, with more than 70 per cent of personnel working on the project being local to the region.
Exact Contracting Business Development and Technical Services Manager, Shaun Matschoss, said the collaboration and dedication of all involved has seen great progress on this complex project.
“That includes a large local workforce, as we know employing locals and using local contractors where possible is important to the Territory economy and the community,” he said.
The Territory Government said that Manton Dam remains open as a valued recreational resource, with stringent water treatment measures implemented at the newly constructed Strauss water treatment plant to ensure the highest water quality standards.
Federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling, said he was excited to see the project come to fruition.
“It will deliver safe and reliable drinking water for people, while ensuring Manton Dam remains accessible for recreational use,” he said.
“Darwin’s water demand is expected to double by 2050, so this work will ensure our community can grow and develop with confidence.
“The Federal Government has invested $300.6 million in Stage 1 of the Darwin Region Water Supply Program, with additional funding from the Territory Government, to support local water security for the future.”
Northern Territory Minister for Essential Services, Steve Edgington, said that returning Manton Dam to service as a secure and reliable drinking water source for the Darwin region by 2026 is a key deliverable for the Territory Government.
“This project not only enhances water security but employs locals and uses local contractors, supporting future economic growth in the region and restoring the Territory lifestyle,” he said.
Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour, said it’s great to see good job opportunities, and money being spent locally as part of this significant project.
“In the past 12 months, we’ve seen lots of progress on returning Manton Dam to service, and it will be great to see this project finished and delivering for the NT,” she said.
