Timor Dam Safety Upgrades

Soon to be commencing safety upgrades to Timor Dam will ensure that Timor Dam will be compliant with safety standards. 

“Upgrade works to Timor Dam, Coonabarabran will be carried out in three phases over the next year, with the aim to be completed by June 2023,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “These upgrades will ensure Timor Dam is compliant with the safety elements of the Dams Safety Act 2015 and Dams Safety Regulation 2019.” 

Phase 1 of the upgrades involves the design and construction of an access to the bottom of the dam wall. This will involve an ecological assessment of the proposed access corridor, minor vegetation clearing, access track construction and stair construction. These works are expected to commence in September 2022.

“This first phase will provide for access to both construction workers and dam operators to allow construction work and operational work to be carried out to comply with current Dam Safety Regulations,” said Cr Doolan. 

Phase 1 of the upgrades will lead into Phase 2 and 3 of the overall project which involves upgrades to the seepage weir downstream of the dam wall that is used by operators to monitor seepage underneath and around the dam wall. 

Further, upgrades to the scour valve at the bottom of the dam wall will allow Council to complete environmental releases which will stimulate flows into the Castlereagh River and continue to revitalise the aquatic ecosystem. 

“These proposed works are required to ensure compliance with the regulations and laws surrounding dams in NSW, however these works are also crucial to maintaining the condition of Coonabarabran’s primary water supply and allow for safe operation of the dam,” Cr Doolan concluded. 

There will be no interruption to the water supply to the Coonabarabran township during these works. 

Last Updated: 16 Sep 2022