Following the announcement of a $245 million funding commitment earlier this month, WaterNSW has signed WaterSecure – a joint venture between Aurecon and KBR – as delivery partner for three major dam projects, and possibly more projects in the future, that will help secure New South Wales’ water supply.
“The joint venture will work with WaterNSW to build a high performing portfolio delivery team that will generate regional, social, and environmental benefits. Our aim is to leave a legacy; building capability for WaterNSW and better outcomes for communities.
“We are fully committed to the successful delivery of WaterNSW’s capital program. WaterSecure will bring together our local expertise, digital solutions and best practice experience from similar joint programs of work across Australia,” Aurecon Chief Executive Officer William Cox said.
As a partner, WaterSecure will assist WaterNSW with planning, development and delivery of the Wyangala Dam wall raising project and the new Dungowan Dam as well as the final business case for the new Mole River Dam. The three projects are being delivered under the $1 billion joint investment from the Australian and New South Wales Governments.
“Today’s announcement means that Dungowan Dam and the Wyangala Dam wall raising can be fast-tracked, improving long term water security sooner while creating immediate employment and economic benefit at a crucial time for regional NSW.
“We have not seen this kind of water infrastructure build since the 1980’s and not only are we creating local jobs but we are increasing vital water security across this state and for me there’s nothing more important than that,” Deputy Premier John Barilaro said.
With a delivery partner now on board, works on the projects are anticipated to commence by October of this year.
The Wyangala Dam wall raising project is a $650 million development that will raise the dam’s walls by up to 10 metres, increasing water storage by about 53 per cent to help water security and drought resilience in the Lachlan Valley.
The new Dungowan Dam, on the other hand, will be replacing the existing dam near Tamworth to help improve long-term water supply security as well as increase water supply by up to 7 gigalitres a year.
“This incredible project will ensure long-term water supply for the city of Tamworth. This will enable future population growth for Tamworth and maintain a productive level of general security reliability and water use for irrigation,” Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said.
Lastly, the proposed new Mole River Dam in the Border Rivers will help secure more water in flood sequence to make more water available for communities, agriculture and the environment during drier times.
All three projects have been highlighted in WaterNSW’s 20-year Water Infrastructure Study.
“By putting this infrastructure in place as quickly as possible, we realise the benefits sooner, and at a time when drought and COVID-19 have placed great pressure on the economies of NSW communities.
“Fast-tracking this historic investment means job creation, local expenditure and business opportunities occurring when they are needed most. Today’s announcement guarantees we have the resources and the reach to make it a reality,” NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey said.
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