By Callum Ludwig
Melbourne Water has upgraded and completed dam remediation works of the Upper Yarra Dam ensuring continued integrity and stability of the dam wall.
Minor site works are ongoing but the major civil upgrade works are now complete.
Government/Melbourne Water spokesperson thanked the local community for their patience and understanding while this project was carried out.
“Melbourne Water and our delivery partner Seymour Whyte have completed an upgrade to Upper Yarra Dam so the reservoir can continue to supply world-class drinking water to Melburnians,’ they said.
“Melbourne Water has an excellent safety record and operates under some of the strictest and most conservative dam safety rules in the world.”
The major work done was undergone over the last 18 months, safely laying material to create filter trenches along the wall, utilising materials from the existing dam and immediate area as well as importing the additional materials needed. These include;
Excavation of approximately 265,000m3 from the dam wall
Imported 114,200 tonnes of various materials (equivalent to 3,450 trucks and trailers)
Placed approximately 180,000m3 to reinstate the dam wall
Laid 542 metres of filter trench
Injection of 1.6km of grout.
The project employed over 20 local residents in a variety of roles and Narrap Rangers, Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung, Yarra Ranges Council’s Natural Resource Management Team carried out work on Country, which involved grass cutting, weed spraying and general maintenance.
Still to be completed is;
Installation of Mechanical and Electrical equipment within the new Seepage Weir and on the Dam crest
Construction of a new Aerator building on the crest
Reinstatement of the crest viewing area, including the monument
Installation of new information boards throughout the sire
Reconnection of the High Voltage feed to the Dam
Revegetation works across the site and maintenance within the works area
Amenities improvements within the campground, including upgrades to the main toilet block.
Upper Yarra Dam was constructed in 1957 to the best standards of the day. This upgrade has made it compatible with the latest industry standards.
The Upper Yarra Reservoir Park remains closed, having suffered severe storm damage from the June 2021 weather event, but will reopen in due course.
