This project will ensure the stability of the dam wall and the safety of the public at a time of severe flood. Several studies have shown the dam to be unstable during major flooding. The upgrade will ensure the stability of the dam wall and the safety of the public, whilst maintaining the dam wall at its current height.
Following extensive public consultation Council resolved to invest in strengthening the dam wall to ensure its stability and the continuing use of the reservoir as a recreational area.
Work on the design of the upgrade has shown that the most cost-effective way of achieving this is to tie the wall into the rock below using post tensioned reinforcing bars. This has the added advantage of minimising any changes in the appearance of this historic structure.
The general public are still able to visit Dumaresq Dam reservoir during construction, with the exception of the area immediately surrounding the dam, which will be fenced off to keep visitors safe.
Status
TEMPORARY CHANGES AT DUMARESQ DAM
The post tensioning of the Dumaresq Dam wall is now complete and the scaffolding has been removed. The contractor is now working on the right embankment, the downstream valve chamber and the installation of a protective slab at the base of the dam to prevent erosion. Construction work which should have been completed by the end of March has been delayed by the recent spell of rainy weather. Work is now anticipated to be finished by the end of April with the removal of fencing and remediation of the site taking place in early May.
Until then there will continue to be a number of minor impacts to residents and regular users of the popular recreation area.
Access to do a complete loop of the walking track via the dam wall is not available during construction. You can still access the track via the other entrance point near the boat ramp but be mindful this will be a return trip and take longer.
The existing toilet block is no longer accessible. The temporary toilets, will continue to be used until the existing toilet block has been returned to service.
There is an exclusion zone on the water adjacent to the dam wall.
Construction noise will occur. Contractors will be working a 10 days on 4 days off schedule. This means every second weekend there will be activity on the site for most of the day. The other weekend will be quiet with no activity.
To facilitate construction, the dam has been drained by about 2 metres, with the result that access to the water via the boat ramp could be limited.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.