The Queensland state government’s statutory authority Seqwater has announced the start of early works on the Lake Macdonald (Six Mile Creek) dam upgrade project in Noosa, Australia.
The milestone has been reached in conjunction with the release of the project’s final design concept by Seqwater.
The project, part of Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program, aims to bolster water security and enhance the dam’s resilience to extreme flood events.
Upgrade work mainly includes the construction of a new split-level concrete spillway and an upper labyrinth along with the reconstruction of the existing earth embankments.
The government said that its new design, optimised following a detailed technical review in 2021 and 2022, will enable the dam to withstand a ‘one in 500,000-year flood event’.
To facilitate safe construction activities, the lake will be temporarily lowered, and a temporary cofferdam will be installed to ensure water security.
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By GlobalDataOn-site survey works have already started and will be followed by site establishment and lake lowering in the upcoming months.
Construction of the cofferdam and other major works is set to begin in mid-2024 after the contractor is appointed.
While the project will cause some disruption to recreational activities around the lake and adjacent areas, Lake Macdonald, Lake Macdonald Park, and the Noosa Botanic Gardens will stay open to the public.
The ongoing Dam Improvement Program is a long-term investment in South East Queensland’s water infrastructure, with all upgrades expected to be completed by 2035.
Seqwater CEO Neil Brennan said: “While Lake Macdonald Dam continues to operate safely, the upgrade will ensure the dam meets updated engineering and safety standards, taking into account extremely rare weather scenarios and climate change.
“The revised design will allow water to be retained in Lake Macdonald during construction, some recreation activities to remain open, reduced impact on aquatic life, plants and animals in and around the lake, and will ensure the Noosa Water Treatment Plant continues to operate for local water supply.
