Lake Cargelligo Embankment Dams - Capital upgrade

About the project

WaterNSW, the state’s bulk water supplier and system operator is upgrading the three embankment dams of Lake Cargelligo to improve dam safety

Lake Cargelligo is a an off-river storage system in the Lachlan Valley. The three embankments are standardised earth fill embankments that provide storage for irrigation, recreation, and domestic water supply.

The embankments were originally constructed in 1906. In 1927, all three dams were raised to a total final height of approximately 3.5m with a base width of 5m. Historic floods damaged the embankments, and a rainfall flooding event in 2016 further impacted the condition of the embankments. Temporary works were completed which proved successful in managing risk during the incident, however, these important upgrades will ensure the town of Lake Cargelligo continues to benefit from recreation activities at the lake for the long-term.

Project objectives

The aim of this Project is to make modifications to the existing three embankment dams of Lake Cargelligo to stabilise, strengthen and increase the integrity of the dam embankments to reduce the risk of failure and to function effectively for the long-term.

The key objectives include:

• Reduce the risk of internal and external erosion of the embankment dams.
• Reduce the risk of overtopping associated with wave erosion of the embankment dams.

Consultation

WaterNSW project teams are committed to engaging with the local community. Stakeholders, government agencies and Aboriginal groups will be engaged throughout the process.

Further information will be provided through project fact sheets, website updates and in local newspapers.

Project schedule

• Apr - June 2021 Early investigations complete
• June – Aug 2021 Develop concept design
• Sep – Nov 2021 Complete detailed design
• Q4 2021 Engage with construction contractors / Community and stakeholder engagement
• Q1 2022 Construction contract awarded / Final business case complete /  Environmental Assessment / Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment
• Q2 2022 Pre-construction activities / Onsite Construction commences / Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit Application
• Q4 2022 Construction complete, including remediation around sites if required.

Please note, wet weather may cause some delays to the project construction timeline. When this occurs, updates will be provided to the Lake Cargelligo community via local media.

Project updates

• Lake Cargelligo Project - Fact Sheet - May 2022 (PDF, 1097.37 KB)
• Community Newsletter - September 2021 (PDF, 3060.4 KB)

Contact details

If you are interested in being engaged as a part of this project or would like more information, please contact WaterNSW at Customer.Helpdesk@waternsw.com.au or call 1300 662 077.

Project Manager: Sarinda Wickramasinghe