A five-year project to strengthen the Fairbairn Dam in Central Queensland, Australia, has been completed successfully and ahead of schedule, operator Sunwater has announced.
The $170 million upgrade began at the 48-year-old structure back in 2016 to help ensure it can better withstand large flood events.
The project addressed the condition of the dam’s original spillway drainage system and ground anchors that were not functioning effectively. It involved the installation of 1150 passive anchors, 1.2km of new drainage and placement of 25,000m3 of concrete.
Additionally, the project achieved a significant workplace health and safety milestone recording over 450,000 hours without a lost-time-injury.
The project created more than 100 jobs and numerous business opportunities for suppliers. More than 80 per cent of contractors and employees were from Central Queensland.
Image of Fairbairn Dam courtesy of Sunwater
