WaterNSW is working with dam safety authorities on a planned upgrade to Cataract Dam to ensure its continued safe operation. One of Greater Sydney’s oldest operating major supply dams, Cataract Dam remains safe for day-to-day operations.
A recent safety review of Upper Nepean dams found Cataract will require work to ensure it meets contemporary safety standards. This work will occur in two phases:
- Priority work to ensure the integrity of the spillway training wall
- A larger, longer-term project to fully assess and design a works program to upgrade the dam structure more broadly.
The design for the long-term dam safety upgrade project will commence as soon as mid-2025. Construction work is targeted to commence in 2026.
The works will impact access around Cataract Dam for emergency services. An Alternative Access Route plan has been developed and will be communicated to SES, RFS and key stakeholders for use during the priority works and dam safety upgrade construction.
Benefits
The benefits of the project include:
- mitigate the risk of dam or training wall failure in the future
- ensure that the spillway fulfils its function of directing overflows along the spillway, thereby preventing flood damage to adjacent land and assets, including the dam itself
- permanently upgrade the spillway training wall to prevent erosion to WaterNSW land and damage to assets in future
- fulfil WaterNSW’s responsibilities under the dam safety regulation and act.
Priority scope of work
The priority scope of work includes:
- excavating soil and removal of concrete barriers from behind the spillway training wall
- erecting temporary fencing to restrict public access from the area for their safety
- providing improved drainage and installing temporary traffic barriers
- reinstating the access track.
Timeline
Cataract Dam priority works
- February 2025
Construction commencement - May 2025
Construction completion
Cataract Dam safety upgrade project
- April 2025
Preliminary business case approval - May 2025
Detailed design start - April 2026
Construction start
Consultation
WaterNSW will continue to work closely with impacted stakeholders and will provide updates throughout the project.
Contact
For more information about the priority works or Cataract Dam Safety Upgrade project, please contact our Engagement Team on engagement@waternsw.com.au or call 1300 662 077.
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