New Dungowan Dam & Pipeline project in NSW reaches new milestones

Monica Gameng   |   February 16, 2022
Dungowan Dam (cr: Department of Planning, Industry and Environment)

The new Dungowan Dam and Pipeline project in New South Wales has reached new milestones with works now underway on the pipeline and two shortlisted contractors named to build the dam. 

“This is the day everyone has been waiting for – the work is starting, and this pipeline represents security, growth, and investment for Tamworth and the Peel Valley. 

“Congratulations to Kevin (State Member for Tamworth and Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson) and the Water Infrastructure NSW team for coming this far. There is still a long way to go, but myself and the Morrison-Joyce Government is behind them all the way. 

“Our Government is getting the job done, building the water infrastructure Australians need to live, grow and get ahead,” Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said. 

The new 55-kilometre pipeline will help secure water supply for the communities in Tamworth and the Peel Valley. The pipeline will also connect the new Dungowan Dam to Tamworth’s Calala Water Treatment Plant. 

Stage 1 of the Dungowan Pipeline project is anticipated to take 18 months to complete. 

“Starting the construction phase just two weeks after we received planning approval for this pipeline shows that I am serious about prioritising water infrastructure projects in this region. 

“Not only does the construction of the pipeline provide greater water security, but it will generate revenue for 30 local businesses and support up to 70 new jobs, injecting millions of dollars into the local economy,” Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said. 

On the other hand, the Final Business Case for the new dam has already been submitted to Infrastructure NSW and Infrastructure Australia for review. The business case is also due to go before the State Government this month. 

The Environmental Impact Statement for the new Dungowan Dam is expected to go on display before the end of the year. 

“I have given express instructions to the Department to make this happen as soon as possible and we can expect significant progress in the near future. 

“This is the NSW Government hitting the go button on Dungowan Dam and finding a way to fast track this project. I know how important water is to this region and I will keep pushing forward to get shovels in the ground and start this significant project for the Tamworth region,” Minister Anderson said. 

Earlier this month, Acciona and Seymour Whyte have been shortlisted for the contract to design and build the new dam. The successful builder is set to be announced later this year following final investment decision. 

Both contractors are committing to employ local businesses for the delivery of the project, creating jobs for locals including Aboriginal communities. 

The Dungowan Dam and Pipeline project will include: 

  • Construction of a new dam wall 3.5 kilometres downstream of the current wall, increasing the dam’s capacity from 6.3 gigalitres to 22.5 gigalitres 
  • Decommissioning the existing Dungowan Dam 
  • Construction of a 55-kilometre large diameter pipeline between Dungowan Dam and the Calala Water Treatment Plant 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; NSW Government – Planning, Industry & Environment (1, 2); Kevin Anderson MP – Media; Australia New Zealand Infrastructure Pipeline 

New call-to-action

Monica Gameng
As Felix's Marketing Assistant since 2015, Monica is responsible for researching and sharing new and progressing projects within the construction and mining sectors in Australia. It's no surprise that Monica has her finger on the pulse of Australian major projects given she has produced more than 1,000 posts. She truly is an industry expert.
Follow me:

Related Articles

Projects
New milestones reached for new Queen's Wharf Brisbane pedestrian bridge

The beginning of construction on a new pedestrian bridge over the Brisbane River is one step closer, with the tender process progressing to the assessment stage. The contract to build the Neville Bonner Bridge is set to be awarded soon and construction to begin in early 2020.

Projects
New designs released for $2bn M12 Motorway project in NSW

Public consultation is now underway on the design of one of the vital components of the M12 Motorway development in New South Wales and the community is invited to have their say on the place, design and landscape plan (PDLP) for the $2 billion project. 

Projects
New Nowra Bridge on NSW Princes Highway becomes Priority Project

Following a rigorous business case assessment, Infrastructure Australia has declared the New South Wales Government’s proposal to build a new on the Princes Highway over Shoalhaven River a Priority Project and will be included in the Infrastructure Priority List.

Get the latest project news

Formerly known as the PlantMiner blog, Felix Project News is Australia's top 10 Construction blog. Join thousands of construction and mining pros getting the best content right in their inbox.
  • updates on Australia's pipeline of state and federal projects
  • fresh contract awards from major contractors and builders

If you're looking to contact us about other matters, please contact us.