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Community members get a rare tour inside the historic Somerset Dam wall

Somerset Dam Improvement Project

Somerset Dam is one of several dams identified to be upgraded as part of Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program. The dam plays an important role in the SEQ Water Grid and its continued performance and safety is critical to South East Queenslanders.

The aim of the project is to improve the dam’s ability to withstand extreme floods and earthquakes. A detailed business case is being prepared and will then be submitted for government approvals.

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Home What We're Doing Somerset Dam Improvement Project

Like all major infrastructure, dams are regularly assessed and upgraded to comply with improvements to engineering standards and guidelines. Seqwater is required to comply with the Queensland Dam Safety Guidelines under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008.

Somerset Dam was built between 1935 and 1959. Since then, there have been significant changes including:

  • population growth downstream
  • advances in dam design
  • improved estimation of extreme rainfall and flood events
  • improved understanding of earthquake probabilities and loads.

Temporary full supply level

In 2016, the flood operation procedures for Somerset Dam were modified as a precautionary safety measure and drinking water levels of both Somerset and Wivenhoe dams were temporarily lowered to maintain flood mitigation benefits provided by both dams. Somerset was lowered to 80 per cent of its normal drinking water storage and Wivenhoe to 90 per cent.

The full supply levels in both dams will remain lowered until the Somerset Dam Improvement Project is complete.

         

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          Somerset Dam upgrade - Technical Surveys - Notification

          The Somerset Dam Improvement Project involves improving the current design to meet the Queensland Dam Safety Guidelines. Over the coming months Seqwater will have technical teams doing surveys for the upgrade project. For more information, please read the works notification here.

          Upgrades to the dam viewing area on Esk-Kilcoy Road are one of the potential legacy projects shortlisted as part of Somerset Dam upgrade

          Legacy projects shortlisted as part of Somerset Dam upgrade

          New recreation trails, development of a new rural fire service shed and upgrades to the day use area in Somerset Dam Village are some of the shortlisted legacy projects being considered as part of the Somerset Dam upgrade.

          New recreation trails, development of a new rural fire service shed and upgrades to the day use area in Somerset Dam Village are some of the shortlisted legacy projects being considered as part of the Somerset Dam upgrade.

          Somerset Dam, which was built between 1935 and 1959, is one of several dams to be upgraded as part of Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program to bring the dam up to modern safety standards.

          For the past few months, a community reference group (CRG) – consisting of representatives from local community groups, businesses and organisations – has been working with Seqwater to develop a Social Impact Management Plan, including various legacy projects.

          The legacy projects are designed to bring long-term benefits that will meet the needs and priorities of the community as well as mitigate any project impacts.

          A shortlist of 12 legacy projects has now been finalised for consideration, with one or more to be included in the detailed businesses case for the Somerset Dam upgrade project. The business case is expected to be completed next year ahead of scheduled construction in 2022.

          Seqwater Major Projects General Manager Barbara van Heerden said the CRG had considered more than 40 project ideas put forward by members of the community.

          “From the projects that have been shortlisted, there’s a clear focus on community safety, celebrating local heritage and improving recreation facilities,” Ms van Heerden said.

          “There are some excellent proposals which will indeed provide long-lasting economic, recreational and tourism benefits to the community.”

          Somerset Dam Upgrade Project Manager Silvia Oliveira said the CRG members had volunteered their time, given up their weekends and made a considerable commitment in working with Seqwater to protect and enhance the community they live in.

          “CRG members have been working for months to identify the impacts of this dam upgrade on the community and help us come up with solutions,” Ms Oliveira said.

          “Even when COVID-19 restrictions were put in place, the group was keen to stay on track so worked with Seqwater to hold CRG meetings virtually.

          “The CRG members include community leaders with a proven history of working for the Somerset Region and include representatives from the Somerset Dam and Districts Progress Association, Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce and the Rural Fire Brigade – even a former local mayor.”

          Shortlisted legacy project ideas:

          • Upgrades to the dam viewing area on Esk-Kilcoy Road
          • Construction of a new Rural Fire Service shed in Somerset Dam village
          • New pedestrian paths in Somerset Dam village, including a safe crossing of Esk-Kilcoy Road
          • Development of a new recreation trail between Somerset Dam village and The Spit
          • Establishment of a public display of heritage-related objects from the dam wall such as old gates and winches
          • Restoration of the old swimming hole near the village, with addition of a kayak launch point on the Stanley River
          • Upgrades to the day use area (playground) in Somerset Dam village, including new public toilets
          • Upgrades to facilities at The Spit
          • Relocation of the memorial to workers who died during construction of the dam
          • Development of a community arts and heritage centre in Somerset Dam village using one of Seqwater’s old houses
          • Redevelopment of the Caboonbah Homestead site and  a new boat ramp
          • Establishment of a connection from the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail to Somerset Dam using the old bullock trail stock rout

          ​For more information or to provide your feedback about the proposed legacy projects contact Seqwater at [email protected]

        • Why does Somerset Dam need to be upgraded?

          Somerset Dam is one of several dams to be upgraded as part of Seqwaters Dam Improvement Program. Like all major infrastructure, dams are regularly assessed and upgraded to comply with improvements to engineering standards and guidelines. Seqwater is required to comply with the Queensland Dam Safety Guidelines under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008.

          Somerset Dam was built between 1935 and 1959. Since then, there have been significant changes including:

          • population growth downstream 
          • advances in dam design 
          • improved estimation of extreme rainfall and flood events 
          • improved understanding of earthquake probabilities and loads.
          Will the upgrade work impact recreation at Lake Somerset?

          The construction site for the dam upgrade will be at the Somerset Dam wall. We do not expect any changes to recreation activities on the lake or at The Spit or other popular recreation areas. There will be increased traffic on the road during construction which may impact recreation users travelling to Lake Somerset.
           

          Will the upgrade to Somerset Dam impact recreation at Wivenhoe Dam?

          Construction of the Somerset Dam Improvement Project is not expected to impact recreation at Lake Wivenhoe.

          What will the upgrade look like?

          A final design for the Somerset Dam Improvement Project has not been chosen. We are working to identify which upgrade design represents the best overall investment for the people of South East Queensland. 

          The current design elements include:

          • Raising the height of the dam wall
          • Changes to the spillway, including removing the gates or replacing the existing gates with larger gates
          • Extending and reinforcing the dissipator basin
          • Adding concrete to the downstream face of the dam wall
          • Replacing the sluice gates and regulator gates that are reaching their serviceable life.
          When will the upgrade happen?

          Seqwater is completing a Detailed Business Case for the Somerset Dam Improvement Project. Once the business case is finalised, we will start engaging the community regarding the next steps for the project. Seqwater is committed to ensuring the best value for money option is delivered to meet project objectives.

          Will the water level in Lake Somerset return to its old levels after the upgrade?

          In 2016 the full supply levels of both Somerset and Wivenhoe Dams were temporarily lowered to increase flood mitigation and reduce risks to dam safety. The full supply level in both dams will remain lowered until the Somerset Dam Improvement Project is complete.

          How will you manage the construction impacts on residents and businesses?

          A Social Impact Management Plan will be adopted to reduce and manage the impact on the Somerset community. This plan is being drafted in partnership with a Community Reference Group. More information on this will be shared as the project progresses, with opportunities for the community to provide feedback.

          Will the dam upgrade project include improvements to the local area for long term benefit (legacy projects)?

          Seqwater is committed to addressing the impacts of the Somerset Dam Improvement Project on the community. As part of the current Detailed Business Case process, a Community Reference Group was formed to partner with Seqwater in developing a Social Impact Management Plan. This plan will include legacy projects with long-term benefits that meet the needs and priorities of the local community as well as mitigating potential short-term project impacts.

          For more information about proposed legacy projects see https://www.seqwater.com.au/news/legacy-projects-shortlisted-part-somerset-dam-upgrade

          How can community members have a say in managing impacts and enhancing benefits from the project?

          This project will impact the community and Seqwater is planning now for how those impacts will be managed. Your feedback, ideas and suggestions are an important part of that planning. We will share more information as the project progresses. We recommend you sign up for project updates (at the bottom of the web page) to be notified of opportunities to have your say.

          When the draft Social Impact Management Plan has been completed we will share it with the community and seek your feedback on potential impacts and benefits from the project. 

          What roads will trucks use during construction?

          The project team is assessing options for truck haul routes to bring construction materials to the dam wall. Key concerns to be assessed are safety, potential community and environmental impacts and the capacity of the road to sustain large volumes of heavy trucks. We will be able to confirm preferred haul routes once a contractor is appointed and will provide more information to the community at that stage.

          Will the upgrade to Somerset Dam impact traffic on the Brisbane Valley Highway over Wivenhoe Dam?

          Construction of the Somerset Dam Improvement Project is not expected to significantly impact traffic on the Brisbane Valley Highway.

          Will there be a workers' camp for construction workers?

          This will be a decision for the contractor appointed to build the dam upgrade. There may be up to 175 people working on the construction site and the contractor may choose to provide a workers' camp to accommodate them. We have consulted the Community Reference Group for the project and identified suitable sites to build a temporary workers' camp at Esk, Toogoolawah, Caboonbah and Somerset Dam, should that be the case.

          Will construction work be 7 days a week?

          We have not finalised construction planning at this stage. More planning and investigations about how construction will be managed will form part of the current Detailed Business Case and at the time when the main construction contractor is procured. Our intention is to plan construction activities to be considerate of construction impacts, including those associated with truck movements and noisy activities. Night work may be necessary for specific activities and community members will be notified in writing before out of hours work.

          Will the project provide opportunities for local jobs or for local businesses?

          Seqwater supports local employment and local procurement on all its capital works projects. We strongly encourage small and medium sized businesses in the Somerset Region to tender for work packages and sub-contracts associated with the construction phase of this project.

          We are identifying ways to maximise local opportunities/benefits during the construction period. These may include local apprenticeships and traineeships, a local procurement register and targets for local employment and procurement.

          How can my business tender for work on the upgrade?

          The contract for construction of the Somerset Dam Improvement Project will be listed on the QTenders website. 

          Seqwater supports local procurement on all its capital works projects. We strongly encourage small and medium sized businesses in the Somerset Region to tender for work packages and sub-contracts associated with this project.

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