Burrendong design
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR BURRENDONG DESIGN
17 June 2009
State Water Corporation has today awarded the contract for the design of the crest raising component to NSW Department of Commerce in stage one of the Burrendong Dam safety upgrade.
NSW Department of Commerce will undertake the detailed design works in the $28 million project, funded by the NSW Government.
The stage one works also involves strengthening and modification of the existing spillway, requiring further specialized investigations. The detailed design for spillway works will be a separate engagement and will follow in direct succession after the crest raising works.
State Water CEO George Warne said the upgrade is being undertaken in line with regulations set by the NSW Dams Safety Committee.
“Under the regulations State Water is upgrading seven dams across the state to comply with guidelines regarding extreme floods,” Mr Warne said.
“All of State Water’s dams are safe for day-to-day operation and can easily handle the largest floods on record; the guidelines are in response to improved understanding of extreme weather and flood events.”
The road across the dam wall will be closed during construction for safety reasons, Mr Warne said.
“Construction is anticipated to begin early in 2010 and at this stage we expect it will be completed by 2011.”
Access to the dam’s recreational facilities will be maintained during construction, Mr Warne said.
The upgrade is set to benefit the local economy, he said.
“A project as significant as this is sure to have positive flow on effects to the local community through purchasing fuel and supplies locally as well as potentially creating local jobs.”
The upgrade is designed to enable the dam to cope with very large flood events, but is not designed to increase the dam’s normal storage capacity. The works will not affect water releases from the dam, Mr Warne said.
For further information on the upgrade contact State Water on (02) 6841 2000 or visit the website www.statewater.com.au.
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Media enquiries and interviews:
Jane Urquhart (02) 6841 2087 or 0429 449 711