Eurobodalla is one step closer to having a new 3,000 megalitre off-river water storage dam next to the Tuross River, after the tender for construction was awarded to Haslin Construction.
The $130 million water security project is jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $51.2 million through its’s National Water Grid Fund, the NSW Government investing $25.6 million under its Safe and Secure Water Program and Eurobodalla Shire Council contributing $58.2 million.
The dam will be 370 metres long, 39 metres high, 200 metres wide and will be located on a tributary of the Tuross River. It will include a spillway to allow it to release water from heavy rainfall events back into the river.
Work is nearing completion on a new pump station that will transfer up to 26 megalitres of water a day from the Tuross River during times of high flow, along with six megalitres from an existing bore field, into the storage dam.
The new pump station will be finished by September 2022, with the dam expected to be completed before the end of 2024.
The Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said "This project will significantly increase water for agriculture and town water supply, particularly during droughts and periods of high demand like summer.
“It’s a game-changer, with the project expected to deliver an extra 581 megalitres of water every year for downstream irrigators and beef, dairy and the environment during low river flows.
“It is a great example of the Australian Government supporting a stronger water future for regional NSW by increasing water reliability, boosting primary industry production and helping to drought-proof local communities.”
NSW Minister for Lands and Water Minister Kevin Anderson added "Finalising the dam’s tender process is a major milestone for this critical water infrastructure project, with construction just around the corner.
“Getting shovels in the ground is great news for the South Coast. It is the largest water infrastructure project in Eurobodalla creating new opportunities for businesses and industries and delivering up to 87 jobs in the construction sector and up to 40 quarrying roles, which is a huge boost for the local economy.”
Our own Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said “It’s fantastic to see this dam one step closer to becoming a reality as it has been a priority for the region for many years.
“I campaigned for the Eurobodalla Southern Water Storage project as Member for Eden-Monaro and prior to that as Deputy Chair of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation.
“Once complete, the new dam will provide better water security for our region, particularly in times of drought and bushfires.
“Adequate water storage is so important to our South Coast communities and I’ve no doubt the increased water capacity will make a huge difference for many decades to come.”
Adding to the announcement Eurobodalla Shire Council Mayor Mathew Hatcher commented "The project showcases the collaborative working relationship Council has with the Australian and NSW governments.
“Our partnership with the Australian and NSW governments has enabled us to push this project over the line, which is a huge win for long-term water security for Eurobodalla.
“We’ve been championing it since 2016 and I am thrilled that we are now getting on with the job of hiring a contractor and delivering the new dam and pump station.
“The project will complement Council’s Deep Creek Dam and water treatment plant in Batemans Bay to provide drought security and bushfire resilience for the whole shire. It will also increase capacity for peak holiday water demand and support population growth.”
