Part of Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program, the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project will ensure the dam continues to operate safely into the future and provide water security for years to come.

Seqwater awarded the construction contract to John Holland Queensland in February 2024, and the geotechnical investigations will confirm the requirements for the project’s temporary cofferdam, which will deliver several benefits to the local community and environment throughout construction.

Planning and site preparation works will continue in 2024 and include survey works, water quality testing, installation of project fencing, and continued engagement with the community and traditional owners.

Seqwater’s Interim CEO, Will Harpham, said Seqwater is committed to the delivery of this critical project to ensure this important water source continues to serve the Sunshine Coast community now and into the future.

“Part of Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program, the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project will ensure the dam meets modern engineering standards, continues to operate safely during extreme weather events, and provides water security for generations to come,” Mr Harpham said.

“While Lake Macdonald Dam continues to operate safely, dam design and engineering standards, along with knowledge of weather and flood risks, have evolved since the dam was originally constructed in 1965, so this upgrade is about ensuring the longevity of the dam into the future,” he said.

The project involves building a new split-level concrete spillway and upper labyrinth and reconstructing the existing earth embankments.

The project temporary works design, which was released by Seqwater earlier this year, includes the installation of an upstream cofferdam to keep the lake water level as high as possible for water security, the environment, some recreation activities, and community amenity throughout construction.

Seqwater is working through the construction methodology based on the design, and major works, including the installation of a temporary cofferdam, are expected to commence in 2025 after this year’s wet season.

The Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project is expected to support approximately 150 jobs over the life of the project, and Seqwater is committed to keeping the community informed as this important project progresses.