With preliminary site establishment works nearing completion, Seqwater have provided the below update in italics on the ongoing Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project to advise that works will soon enter the main construction phase.

Project Overview

The Dam Improvement Project includes constructing a temporary upstream cofferdam, a new spillway and reconstructing the existing earth embankments. We are proud to partner with John Holland as the major construction contractor for this essential project. The enhancements will not only improve water supply reliability but also bolster the dam’s ability to manage extreme weather conditions, ensuring regulatory compliance now and in the future. Early site establishment began in November 2024, with main construction activities scheduled to start in 2025.

Above: Expected construction timeline

Construction Phasing

The entire construction process, from building the cofferdam to its removal after the new dam wall is complete, is anticipated to take around five years, depending on weather and site conditions. Key activities will include:

  • Vibratory piling
  • Concrete and rock breaking
  • Earthworks
  • Concrete pours
  • Rock filling.

Please note that the construction schedule is subject to change based on environmental and operational factors.

Standard Working Hours

Approved working hours are:

  • Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Saturday: 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Due to the nature of the construction, certain activities will take place outside these hours. We will notify nearby residents in advance of any such work and will outline the specific activities, expected duration and any measures in place to mitigate impacts

Minimising Construction Impacts

We understand that construction can be disruptive, and we are committed to minimising its impact. Together with John Holland, we will implement measures to effectively manage the effects of noise, dust and vibration throughout the project.

Noise

Several strategies will be employed to minimise noise, including:

  • Installing barriers where feasible
  • Choosing quieter machinery and equipment
  • Using construction methods that generate less noise

Vibration

Vibration levels will be carefully monitored and methods adjusted to reduce impacts whenever possible.

Dust

Dust will be managed by:

  • Deploying water carts to suppress dust
  • Stabilising or sealing exposed areas
  • Adjusting construction activities during high wind conditions

Traffic Management

Increased construction traffic will occur on Elm St and Lake Macdonald Drive. Traffic management strategies include:

  • Temporary speed reductions
  • Temporary lane closures and traffic controllers onsite
  • Temporary traffic signals and signage
  • Minimising truck movements during peak traffic hours

Ecological Management

We are working with qualified ecologists to ensure the well-being of local flora and fauna, implementing measures to protect and manage wildlife during construction.

To date, Seqwater and John Holland have undertaken investigations, including field surveys, to identify protected plants, important habitats, aquatic and terrestrial environments and significant local species.

This data is now being analysed and a report will advise of the next steps required.

We will continue to care for our flora and fauna and comply with the relevant legislation and environmental requirements.

Upcoming Information Sessions

Your feedback is important to us. We invite you to attend our community information sessions to learn more about the project and share your thoughts:

  • 11:30am-2pm, Tuesday 28 January – Cooroy Library, 9 Maple St Cooroy
  • 10am-12:30pm, Saturday 1 February – Cooroy Memorial Hall, 23 Maple St Cooroy
  • 2:30-5pm, Wednesday 5 February – Cooroy Library, 9 Maple St Cooroy
  • 9-11:30am, Saturday 15 February – Pomona Memorial Hall, 6 Reserve St Pomona

Sandy thanks Seqwater for continuing to keep the community informed on these vital and ongoing works, as well for providing several information sessions over the coming weeks to allow the community to provide feedback. We will continue to monitor and provide updates on these works throughout the construction process.

Following the 2024 October State Election, Sandy wrote to update the new Queensland Minister for Water that whilst it is vitally important that the dam wall is upgraded to improve safety and enable greater resilience during flood related events, efforts must be made to minimise heavy haulage impacts as a result of this upgrade. The response from the Minister is available on November 2024 Noosa 360 update at www.sandybolton.com/lake-macdonald-dam-upgrade-update-2-november-2024. As mentioned in that update, Sandy has also written to the Queensland Government, requesting a review of the Queensland Procurement Policy. We are currently awaiting a response.

Further information

For more details visit Seqwater’s Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project webpage at http://www.seqwater.com.au/project/lake-macdonald-dam-improvement-project, or contact them directly on their 24/7 Lake Macdonald Improvement Project line at 07 5472 1565 or via projectinfor@seqwater.com.au.

For any other enquiries, 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 lgwv@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.