A joint investment by the Australian and Northern Territory Governments to strengthen water security and supply in Darwin is a step closer to reality.
A tender for the design and construction of the Manton Dam Return to Service project has been released by the Power and Water Corporation.
The $190 million project will include:
This project will ensure the water meets strict drinking water quality standards while, at the same time, the Manton Dam stays open for recreational use.
“It is vital we secure sustainable solutions that protect our environment and maintain our great Territory lifestyle.
“This contract going out to tender is the next step in securing the Territory’s water supply for the next fifty years, it is also a major step towards reaching our goal of a $40 billion economy by 2030,” Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler said.
Once complete, the Manton Dam will be able to provide an additional 7,300 megalitres of water into Darwin’s water supply system. This ensures that the water supply can meet the forecast demand as well as provide urban water security to support the region’s future economic development.
The Manton Dam Return to Service project is the first stage of the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program that is jointly funded by the Australian and Territory Governments through the National Water Grid Fund, in partnership with the Power and Water Corporation.
With the water supply demand projected to double by 2050, delivering this project will ensure the Manton Dam is able to provide a secure urban water supply to meet this demand.
The contract for the design and construction of the project is due to be awarded in the third quarter of 2023, with project completion expected in 2026.
Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Power and Water Corporation; The National Tribune