Riverina Western Winburndale Dam upgrade
Services
Contact point
To meet growing water demands and enhance resilience, NSWPW delivered the complex and challenging Winburndale Dam upgrade, bolstering its capacity and safety.
Background
Winburndale Dam forms part of the Bathurst water supply scheme and draws water from the Winburndale Rivulet. Water is transferred from the dam to Bathurst via a pipeline which gravitates directly into the city’s raw water distribution system.
The dam mainly comprises an overflow concrete gravity structure with a maximum height of 22m and an overall crest length of approximately 165m.
Studies have indicated that the dam has had insufficient flood capacity to safely handle the maximum required flood event in accordance with Dams Safety NSW requirements and consequently flood security upgrade works have been developed and undertaken which allow the dam to meet modern practice safety standards.
Key project facts
- Retention of existing storage capacity and spillway layout of the dam.
- Strengthening the existing concrete gravity overflow sections with 25 permanent post-tensioned ground anchors, each of 27 strands.
- Raising of the crest level of the northern and southern earthen embankments via a new reinforced concrete parapet wall.
- Raising of the crest access bridge.
- Modifying and upgrading the existing outlet works to cater for modern operational, maintenance and WHS standards.
Our role
NSW Public Works (NSWPW) provided technical leadership and project and contract management services for the project. Geotechnical and hydraulic investigations were also undertaken as well as structural and stability assessments. Environmental assessments for the project were also undertaken.
NSWPW worked closely with the project team and contractor to identify and manage project risks, which included the post tensioned anchor installations and sequencing.
The project was completed with no safety issues.
Outcomes
The upgraded dam was commissioned in July 2023 following a comprehensive final inspection by NSWPW and Bathurst Regional Council staff. Inspectors were impressed by the quality of the project. The asset is now fully operational.
NSW has many examples of ageing water supply infrastructure. This project further demonstrates NSWPW capability in investigating, designing and delivering major water supply infrastructure including large scale upgrade of existing assets.