Contract awarded for Burrendong construction

NSW Minister for Water, Phillip Costa today announced the $28 million safety upgrade to Burrendong Dam is on track, with the contract awarded to begin construction.

Minister Costa said the contract has been awarded to Macmahon Contractors for crest raising works in stage 1A of the flood safety upgrade.

“This $28 million project is expected to create at least 20 jobs and generate flow on economic benefits for Wellington and Dubbo,” Mr Costa said.

“This project demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to upgrading regional infrastructure, and is a significant investment for the central west,” Mr Costa said.

“The Burrendong Dam safety upgrade is one of eight projects State Water is undertaking on dams throughout regional NSW an investment that totals almost a quarter of a billion dollars.”

Minister Costa said stage one of the safety upgrade will involve raising the main dam wall and two saddle dam walls by 1.8 meters as well as works on the existing spillway.

“The works will increase the flood mitigation capacity of the dam by raising its height so in an extremely rare flood event water would be retained behind the dam wall,” Mr Costa said.

The road across the dam wall will be closed during construction for public safety. Access to the dam’s recreational facilities will be maintained during construction.

For further information on the upgrade contact State Water on 1300 662 077 or visit the website www.statewater.com.au.

Media contact: Tony Webber (02) 6841 2006