Paluma Dam capacity to increase by 2,600 Olympic pools

Contractors have called in a crane for an upgrade of Paluma Dam, which will increase its capacity by around 2,600 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Deputy Mayor and Infrastructure Services Committee Chair Mark Molachino said the project would enhance the city’s long-term water security.

“Local contractor TEi Services is overseeing a great project which will increase the Dam’s capacity by around 6,600 megalitres,” Cr Molachino said.

“They are installing 25 large steel flashboards to boost the dam’s capacity from 11,400 megalitres to almost 18,000 megalitres

“The crane is lifting the flashboards up to increase the height of the 60 metre spillway by 150mm.

“Council is investing $750,000 to maintain and strengthen the dam so it can continue to serve the community well into the future.”

Local councillor Margie Ryder said the contractors are making great progress at the dam.

“The contractors have done a lot of heavy-lifting at Paluma Dam,” Cr Ryder said.

“Each flashboard weighs more than 350 kilograms, so the crane has been very active.

“It’s been a busy site; workers have drilled anchor bars three metres into the hard rock to strengthen the concrete weir.

“Paluma Dam provides water to the northern beaches, so this is a smart investment to supply the growing population in the area.”

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