Project overview

North East Water is completing the final stage of the Lake Kerferd dam upgrade works.

These works will extend the right abutment filter - an erosion control system to prevent soil erosion and ensure structural stability - by approximately 20m, along the dam wall, from the edge of the spillway. This will provide additional protection to the dam wall and ensure its stability well into the future.

What to expect during construction works

The works will be within the vicinity of the junction between the dam wall and the spillway. The area will be fenced off and signposted to ensure public safety. There will be a number of truck and machinery movements in and out of the area during the project. This will require temporary closures of Lake Kerferd Road limiting access to the dam wall and parking area for approximately the months of May and June.

Pipeline Track which forms part of the Indigo Epic Mountain Bike Trail will remain open, with a small diversion around the construction area, ensuring continued and safe trail access. Please adhere to all signage and direction from construction staff.

Dam water level

Over the summer period raw water extraction ceased due to low flows in the Frenchmans and 9 Mile Creek catchments. This resulted in the dam naturally falling to a low level allowing for an opportune time to complete the dam safety works.

At no point was the dam held at low levels to allow the works to be completed, and the ongoing works will not impact the water level.

The streamflow in Frenchmans and 9 Mile Creek catchments are closely monitored, and raw water extraction recommenced in early June. Combined with recent rainfall, the storage level has risen almost 10%.

As part of North East Water’s Drought Preparedness Plan the level in Lake Kerferd is closely monitored against water restriction triggers. At present the storage remains well above the Stage 1 Water Restriction Trigger and modelling indicates it will remain above these trigger levels.

A copy of North East’s DPP can be accessed here.

Traffic Management

An approved traffic management plan will see the closure of Lake Kerferd Road, limiting access to the dam wall and parking area for approximately the month of May. Please adhere to all signage and direction from construction staff.