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New Dungowan Dam & Pipeline project in NSW reaches new milestones

Written by Monica Gameng | Feb 16, 2022 1:10:09 AM

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