Work begins on Keepit upgrade

 

NSW Minister for Water Phillip Costa today announced construction begins today on a $146.4 million safety upgrade of Keepit Dam.

Minister Costa said construction begins with contracts awarded to John Holland for the construction of two spillways and the main saddle dam, and Soil Conservation Services for the construction of two access roads and the two small saddle dams.

“The safety upgrade at Keepit is the highest priority of State Water Corporation’s eight dam safety upgrades taking place across regional NSW

“Up to 30 jobs are expected to be supported by the project which is designed to bring the dam into line with contemporary safety standards and improve its environmental performance.

“The upgrades will ensure the dams continue to protect nearby communities in the event of an extreme flood.

“In total, the eight upgrades will inject more than a quarter of a billion dollars into regional economies, a much needed boost given the severity of the ongoing drought.”

Minister Costa said the project involves raising the main and subsidiary dam walls, constructing three saddle dams and two spillways for extreme storm events. A multi-level offtake structure will also be constructed at the main dam wall to improve downstream water quality.

“This $146 million investment proves the NSW Government is committed to the safety of water infrastructure in regional NSW,” Mr Costa said.

“We are committed to ensuring the vital assets of rural communities continue to protect and serve people and meet the highest standards of engineering.”

The upgrade also involves the construction of three new fishways downstream at Mollee, Gunidgera and Weeta weirs. Split Rock Dam will be upgraded concurrently with Keepit Dam to ensure both dams can withstand extreme flooding.

Minister Costa said a significant proportion of the $146.4 million upgrade investment is expected to be retained in the local area.

“For example around 60 percent of the funding for the recently commenced upgrade of Blowering Dam in the state’s south is expected to be retained locally through subcontractors and suppliers.”

Public access to the main dam wall will be restricted during construction for safety reasons. A viewing and turning area will be available at the approach to the main wall. Construction is anticipated to begin later this month and is expected to take three years.

Media contact: Claire March 0403 937 849.