Locking in a more secure water future for Bathurst
The NSW Government has helped secure a safer and more reliable water future for Bathurst with the completion of the Winburndale Dam upgrade.
The dam project is the largest upgrade since the dam was built in the 1930s and will help drought proof the city’s water supplies.
The NSW Government provided $2.2 million towards the delivery of the $16 million infrastructure with the remainder from Bathurst Regional Council.
The dam walls were strengthened using 25 post-tensioned ground anchors to bring it in line with modern safety standards ensuring it can withstand all kinds of weather and floods.
It involved divers inspecting and working on the structure underwater during construction, while other equipment was engineered on site to meet the unique needs of the project.
The dam has a catchment area of approximately 88km2 and a storage capacity of around 1,700ML.
Local builders Eodo Pty Ltd took 48 months to complete the project. You can see the lifespan of the project via incredible time lapse footage.
Quotes attributable to Lisa Hingerty, Executive Director – Development, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water:
“With parts of the Central West already drought affected, it is critical we continue to deliver projects that will improve Bathurst’s resilience during dry times.
“The Winburndale upgrade is a vital step in locking-in a safer, more secure water future by extending the life of the dam which will support this vibrant regional centre as it grows.
“The dam has served the community well for more than 90 years and this project will ensure it continues to operate as a reliable second water source for Bathurst into the next century.”
Quotes attributable to Dr Jess Jennings, Mayor of Bathurst Regional Council:
“The NSW Government’s investment has made a long held dream a reality.
“Upgrading Winburndale Dam has been the biggest dam safety project undertaken in the last decade in the Central West, with over 100,000 thousand hours dedicated to delivering this project from start to finish.
“The fact that the project has been delivered by local business Eodo makes the project even more significant in the community. It shows the skills and diversity of businesses that make up our regional community.”
