: News Article

Dam Upgrade Designers Announced

11/06/2004

The second stage of the Ross River Dam upgrade is underway with the announcement that the GHD-MWH consortia will deliver engineering consultancy services for the detailed design of works.

NQ Water Chairman Ian Hamilton said the greatest priority was to ensure the safety and well being of the people of Townsville and Thuringowa. He said it was also important to secure the best possible team and get value for money.

"The awarding of this tender is a significant milestone in achieving a greater level of dam safety in line with new international standards", Mr Hamilton said.

NQ Water Chief Executive Officer Ken Diehm said GHD’s tender was superior based upon the proposed methodology, work program and local preference.
Mr Diehm said the team GHD had assembled had also pushed it over the line.

"The team is made up of the best of the best in all fields of dam engineering covering spillway, gates, embankment, geotechnical and foundations."

At approximately $3.5M, GHD’s bid had the lowest estimate of the three consortia invited to tender. Mr Diehm said NQ Water had also negotiated incentives and penalties to maximise any possible savings.

GHD had the unanimous support of a Stakeholder Reference Group, which included representatives from Townsville and Thuringowa City Councils.

The upgrade of the dam follows the delivery of a report by an expert team twelve months ago and a subsequent two thirds funding commitment from the state government.

The total project was estimated to cost around $90M and Mr Hamilton said the Board of NQ Water had a strong preference for local contractors.

"This project will have a major beneficial impact on the economy of Townsville and Thuringowa" he said.

NQ Water was committed to keep the community informed throughout this project Mr Hamilton said.

next: Peer Review Panel

© 2004 NQ Water