Seqwater will commence major construction of the Noosa’s Lake Macdonald (Six Mile Creek) Dam as part of their Dam Improvement Program, which will generate 150 local jobs.
This upgrade involves building a new split-level concrete spillway, upper labyrinth and reconstructing the existing earth embankments, which will improve water security and allow the dam to survive a 1 in 500,000 year flood event.
This will be the first major upgrade of Lake Macdonald Dam since its original construction in 1965.
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.
Queensland minister for water, Glenn Butcher, said he was pleased to see the progress on this critical project.
“This important upgrade will ensure the longevity of Lake Macdonald Dam so it can continue to provide water security and dam safety for years to come,” he said.
“Dams in Queensland are built to very high, internationally accepted safety standards, but methods used to estimate extreme weather and flood risks have changed significantly since some were built.
“With construction starting soon, the upgrade is also set to boost local employment opportunities in the region, with around 150 jobs expected to be created over the life of the project.”