Hume Dam maintenance works

Hume Dam plays a critical role in capturing winter and spring rainfall from the Australian Alps and releasing it to regulate the flow of the River Murray. As well as irrigation, the dam supplies stock and household needs for towns and landholders along the Murray River across three states, and is used for hydro-electricity generation and recreation.

Trash Rack Inspections

• The Hume Dam has a continuous trash rack to protect the irrigation outlet infrastructure.
• This inspection is essential in determining future safety upgrades.

Irrigation Gate and Penstock Main Works

• $6m maintenance project started on 19 August 2019 and is scheduled to finish by the end of 2024 subject to weather conditions.
• This work is essential and part of scheduled 20-year maintenance of Hume Dam that will include mechanical, electrical, civil and restoration activities.

Gate Transporter and Blast Shed Upgrade

• The Hume Dam water release is controlled by 29 Stoney gates that weigh 18 tonne each.
• The gate transporter and blast shed were designed to support the maintenance of these gates.
• The upgrade work is essential to protect infrastructure and support continued water supply to households and farmers along the Murray River.

Safety Information

• For safety reasons there will be times when the public may not have access to the spill way crest roadway.
• When the crest is closed there is no access to pedestrians and cyclists to the spillway crest roadway, with gates to be locked either side of the spillway.

This vital work is being done as part of routine maintenance program and identified operational requirements that will upgrade and restore this important infrastructure.

• Ensure contemporary standards are met.
• These maintenance works are essential to continue efficient and reliable water supply to customers.
• Economic benefits from sourcing suppliers and subcontractors locally

• For safety reasons there will be times when the public may not have access to the spill way crest roadway.
• When the crest is closed there is no access to pedestrians and cyclists to the spillway crest roadway, with gates to be locked either side of the spillway
• The viewing platform on the northern side of the dam wall near to the Meridian Energy Hydro-electricity station shall remain open to the public.
• At times the public road between Hume Dam Village and the dam may be closed to allow for large equipment to be moved to and from the dam wall.
• Fishing and boating are not allowed within the restricted zone upstream of the dam wall at any time. Diving activities will be undertaken within the restricted zone as part of the works program.
• Visitors to the dam are best to check the Hume Dam webpage for updated closure information.
• When the crest is closed to the public, signage will be erected at the closure points and the community will be informed of any further disruptions.

• Trash Racks Inspection – Completed
• Irrigation Gate and Penstock Main Works – Ongoing
• Gate Transporter– Late 2022
• Blast Shed Upgrade Works - Deferred

For more information about the upgrades or to enquire about any of the project activities contact us or call 1300 662 077.