Seqwater has embarked on the next phase of its Dam Improvement Program across South East Queensland, with a staged upgrade of Moogerah Dam expected to start in June 2014.
Chief Executive Officer Peter Dennis said the program was about ensuring the region’s dams continued to meet the latest standards.
Mr Dennis said like all dam owners across Australia, Seqwater was required to meet the guidelines issued by the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD).
“Dams are long life assets and from time to time they require upgrades as standards are updated and our understanding and knowledge of the impact of extreme weather events increases. The Dam Improvement Program is about ensuring our dams continue to meet industry best practice in the long term,” Mr Dennis said.
“Moogerah Dam was built in 1961 and this will be the first major upgrade since it was built.”
Stage 1a of the upgrade will involve dam anchoring works at the base of the dam wall. The existing access to the spillway and valve house will also be improved.
Upgrade works will take place while the dam is operational. Access to some areas at the dam will be restricted to ensure the safety of visitors and construction workers.
The lower recreation area will be closed to the public for the duration of the work. People can still barbeque or picnic at the nearby Haigh Park recreation area.
Access to the dam wall past the viewing area will also be restricted to weekends between 6:00am and 6:00pm while works are completed below the wall.
Site mobilisation will begin in late May and Seqwater expects works to run from June to December 2014. Normal working hours will be between 7:00am and 5:30pm, Monday to Friday, and 7:30am to 2:30pm on Saturdays.
While construction impacts, including noise, dust and vibration will be mitigated where possible, Seqwater appreciates the local community’s patience while it makes these essential dam improvements.
