The capacity of two Queensland dams will be doubled and the search for a new dam site will begin as part of efforts to shore up the state’s water security.
The State Government has announced that $545 million will be invested over six years to upgrade the North Pine Dam and Lake Macdonald Dam.
A further $10 million has been allocated to investigate a new dam for SEQ.
This is on top of the previously-announced plans to rebuild Paradise Dam and deliver three new weirs.
Premier David Crisafulli announced on the weekend that Lake Macdonald Dam, in the Noosa hinterland, would deliver an additional 4891 megalitres through the construction of a new dam wall.
North Pine Dam, north of Brisbane, would deliver an additional 99,404 megalitres by strengthening the existing dam wall, including with anchors on the non-overflow monoliths and dam spillway.
Both dams supply drinking water for SEQ.
Mr Crisafulli said new and improved dams were a priority.
“We are building Queensland’s future with a major new investment into our water infrastructure, to ensure we’re delivering water security for now and the future,” he said
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the new investment followed the announcement of new weirs in Longreach, Barlil and Cooranga and and the rebuilding of Paradise Dam.
Seqwater CEO Emma Thomas said works would ensure SEQ dams met modern engineering standards and continued to operate reliably into the future.
“Seqwater is delivering on our largest-ever capital delivery program, with anchoring works at North Pine Dam and construction of a new dam wall at Lake Macdonald underway,” Ms Thomas said.
