Major dam infrastructure projects are underway in south-east Queensland, with Seqwater unveiling a key delivery partner.
AECOM has been awarded a contract to deliver engineering consultancy services to support Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program and other dam infrastructure projects planned for completion now and into the future.
The Dam Improvement Program aims to ensure ongoing dam safety and water security for the region, and includes major upgrades to Somerset, Wivenhoe and North Pine dams to ensure they continue to operate safely and provide water security for generations to come.
Seqwater CEO, Emma Thomas, said while dams in the region were built to high safety standards of the time and remain safe, dam design and engineering has evolved significantly since.
“Through Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program, we’re investing in the longevity of our region’s dams to ensure they meet updated regulatory requirements and provide water security and flood mitigation benefits for generations to come,” Ms Thomas said.
“Seqwater has appointed AECOM as its dams engineering service provider to progress major works as part of this program including the next tranche of upgrades on the region’s gated dams – Wivenhoe, Somerset and North Pine.
“The Dam Improvement Program is an enormous undertaking. These projects are extremely complex and require extensive planning and technical expertise to ensure these major investments deliver strategic outcomes vital to the livelihoods of south-east Queenslanders.
“AECOM’s industry-leading expertise will support Seqwater to deliver efficiencies across our dam infrastructure projects, meet regulatory requirements and ensure long-term safety, water security and value for money for customers,” she said.
AECOM is supporting Seqwater on key technical planning and design activities to finalise the detailed business case (DBC) for the Somerset Dam Improvement Project. They will also provide support on the DBC for the North Pine Dam Improvement Project and the options analysis (OA) for the Wivenhoe Dam upgrade.
AECOM Chief Executive – Global Water Business, Beverley Stinson, said together with Seqwater, AECOM is committed to ensuring south-east Queensland’s dams can continue to withstand extreme weather events.
“Our teams are committed to ensuring the ongoing safety, resilience, and reliability of Queensland’s water supply systems using the full depth of our global capabilities, and we look forward to supporting Seqwater’s vision for a sustainable future and ensuring the communities we serve have access to clean, safe drinking water for generations to come,” she said.
AECOM Chief Executive – Australia and New Zealand, Mark McManamny, said the company is excited to continue its trusted partnership with Seqwater, a leader in delivering sustainable and innovative water solutions for south-east Queensland.
“Our long-standing relationship with Seqwater has been pivotal in advancing other critical infrastructure projects for the bulk water supply authority, including for Hinze Dam and the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project,” he said.
Enabling works are expected to commence on-site at Somerset Dam in 2025 as part of the first stage of its upgrade. Staged strengthening works are also commencing at North Pine Dam in 2025 to deliver enhanced safety benefits ahead of the major upgrade, and geotechnical investigations to inform the Wivenhoe Dam OA concluded late 2024.
Seqwater is delivering on its largest-ever capital works program. Visit the Seqwater website for further information on the pipeline of projects and future opportunities.
