Following delays, which Sandy has previously reported, Seqwater have released the final design concept for the upgrade of the Lake Macdonald Dam, with early works set to commence in March ahead of major construction mid-2024. Below is an extract from the Queensland Minister for Water’s media release:
Part of Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program, this upgrade will enhance water security and enable the dam to withstand a 1 in 500,000-year flood event.
The dam improvement project involves building a new split-level concrete spillway and upper labyrinth and reconstructing the existing earth embankments.
Following a comprehensive technical review undertaken in 2021 and 2022, the new optimised design will increase the dam’s capacity to withstand extreme weather events while also ensuring the dam remains operational during construction for water security and some recreation activities.
Seqwater has worked hard to keep the lake water level as high as possible during construction. The lake will be temporarily lowered for construction work to occur safely, and a temporary cofferdam will be installed to support water security during construction. The Noosa Water Treatment Plant will continue to operate during construction.
This will be the first major upgrade of Lake Macdonald Dam since its original construction in 1965. Importantly, more than 150 local jobs are expected to be created over the life of the project.
Survey works are currently underway on-site, with site establishment and lake lowering occurring over the coming months. Major work to construct the temporary cofferdam is expected to commence mid-2024, following contractor appointment.
Due to the significant nature of the project, some recreational use of the lake and surrounding areas will be disrupted during construction. However, recreation activities at Lake Macdonald, Lake Macdonald Park and the Noosa Botanic Gardens will remain open.
Seqwater will keep the community informed throughout the project and will hold information sessions early-2024 where the project team will be available to talk through the design and construction approach and answer any questions.
It is vitally important that the dam wall is upgraded to improve safety for nearby residents and enable greater resilience during flood related events. Sandy thanks the Seqwater team for their work and all Lake Macdonald residents for their ongoing patience during the planning and construction phases.
Further information
More information on this project including a FAQ is available at www.seqwater.com.au/project/lake-macdonald-dam-improvement-project
For any other enquiries regarding this, please contact Seqwater on 3432 7000 or via projectinfo@seqwater.com.au
Direct advocacy regarding other matters related to the Seqwater can be directed to the Queensland Minster for Water via regionaldevelopment@ministerial.qld.gov.au. Please cc’ our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive to us.
For our previous Noosa 360 updates on this, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=lake+macdonald.