Copeton consultation continues
11 August 2009
State Water Corporation’s consultation with the Inverell community concerning the $50million safety upgrade planned for Copeton Dam is continuing.
An announcement on the successful tender to provide the detailed design of the upgrade project is expected this week (10-14 August) after submissions closed on Tuesday, 21 July.
Copeton is one of eight dams operated by State Water across regional NSW earmarked for dam safety upgrades worth more than $350million and expected to generate huge economic benefits for communities in the vicinity.
State Water’s project management team has continued to brief the local community on the project’s progress, presenting to groups from Inverell’s University of the Third Age (21 May) and Rotary Club (28 July) most recently.
A feature of the Copeton upgrade is the need to relocate Copeton Waters State Park, a process scheduled to begin early next year (2010) before the upgrade works commence in early 2011.
Detailed design is already underway to relocate the park with State Water CEO George Warne reiterating the organisation’s commitment to the State Government’s fair compensation policy.
“We are in ongoing talks with park management to ensure the future operations of the park are in no way disadvantaged by the relocation,” he said.
Mr Warne said the upgrade will bring significant economic benefit the region.
“This upgrade will not only bring Inverell’s major dam in line with the highest standards of modern flood requirements, it will inject millions of dollars into the local economy and generate jobs,” he said.
The upgrade is being undertaken in line with regulations set by the NSW Dams Safety Committee.
“Under the regulations State Water is upgrading eight dams across the state to comply with guidelines regarding the most extreme flood events,” 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 patterns and flood events.”
-ENDS-
Media enquiries and interviews:
Tony Webber (02) 6841 2006 or 0428 613 478