The planning and delivery of three regional dam projects in New South Wales (NSW) is set to continue this year, with construction expected to begin by October.
NSW Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said it is important to ensure critical projects keep moving forward, particularly during challenging times.
“Local communities across NSW, now more than ever, need projects that will stimulate their economies and provide jobs in the near future to aid in the recovery following the drought and now COVID-19,” Pavey said.
Three projects were announced last year in a $1.1 billion package, including: raising the Wyangala Dam wall in the Lachlan Valley; building a new Dungowan Dam; and undertaking a business case for a dam in the Mole River.
- WaterNSW has partnered with the following firms for each project:
Dungowan Dam: SMEC
- Wyangala Dam wall raising: Stantec GHD Joint Venture
- Mole River business case: SMEC
“We have appointed the key engineering and environmental advisors for each project at Wyangala, Dungowan and Mole River,” Pavey said.
The projects have all commenced preliminary environmental investigations and concept designs, and environmental planning documents have been lodged with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
“We are focused on delivering these critical projects to significantly improve future drought resilience and improve water security,” Pavey said.
“We expect shovels in the ground by October on these nation-building projects.”
WaterNSW will be responsible for community engagement, and will implement new tools to keep the community updated and informed through local media, as well as newsletters and online.
by Cecilia Harris
