: Public Information

Ross River Dam Upgrade Project

Spillway gate design
The new spillway gate design has been unveiled, with three gates to span the 40-metre spillway.

The gates have been designed by leading dam engineers from GHD-MWH and reflect best practice in gate design and safety.

NQ Water Manager Engineering Rob Saunders said the selection of the gate design marked a significant milestone in the project, with the team's attention now turning to the hydraulic modelling of the chosen design.

The gates will be in place by the end of 2006.

Abigroup, Thiess and a John Holland/MacMahon joint venture have been invited to tender for the Ross River Dam upgrade construction contract.

Each of the tenderers will be required to demonstrate how they will incorporate local suppliers in their bid. This information will be a major factor in the evaluation of the tenders and the awarding of the contract, expected in August.

Abigroup -
Contact Paul Tracey
email - ptracey@abigroup.com.au

Thiess -
Contact Michael Rout
ph 3121 8647
fax 3121 8650
email - mrout@thiess.com.au

John Holland/Macmahon Joint Ventrue -
Contact Gavin Blaik
ph 4774 5344
mob 0419 519 836
email - gavin.blaik@jhg.com.au

NQ Water is committed to ensuring that the benefits of the Ross River Dam upgrade flow through to local suppliers and providers of support services.

Environmental investigations

The project team recently investigated the environmental issues associated with a rise to the full supply level (FSL) of the Ross River Dam.

Field inspections to evaluate flora and fauna were conducted between July and September 2004, and other research provided information on geology, soils, topography, land uses and drainage in the dam area.

These activities were undertaken to:

• Investigate the environmental impacts of raising the FSL
• Determine the regulatory approvals required for raising storage capacity
• Recommend mitigating strategies to reduce the overall impact.

Download:
Ross River Dam Fact Sheet

Community News

• Wet start to pipeline project
• Preparations made for "cut-in"
• Cities rely on Big Bertha
• Green light to pipeline replacement
• Project appeal to limit water use
• NQ Water appoints local contractor
• Ross River Dam Upgrade to Commence
• Ross River Dam Upgrade – Expert Panel

Downloads:
Ross River Dam Project Community Upgrade
Update No 7, July 2005
Update No 6, February 2005
Update No 5, August 2004
Update No 4, February 2004
Update No 3, October 2003
Update No 2, August 2003
Update No 1, April 2003

Related Information:
Facts about Ross River Dam

Keeping the community informed
The safety and wellbeing of the people of Townsville and Thuringowa is NQ Water's highest priority.

As the upgrade continues, we will keep the residents and businesses of Townsville and Thuringowa up to date with our progress.

For enquiries about the Ross River Dam Upgrade Project, please contact the Community Enquiry Team:

Phone 1300 888 542 (toll free)
Write Ross River Dam Upgrade Project
Reply Paid 241
PO Box 241
GARBUTT EAST QLD 4814
(No stamp required)
E-mail nqwater@phillipsgroup.com.au

© 2004 NQ Water