Project to strengthen Scrivener Dam moves ahead

The Albanese Government continues to unlock projects for Canberra’s future, with works to strengthen the dissipator of Scrivener Dam set to commence this month.

The $36 million project has been awarded to Seymour Whyte, following an open tender process by the National Capital Authority (NCA).

It will involve installing 700 new anchors into the foundation rock of the dam at a depth of around 10-to-20 metres, and construction of a 500mm-thick slab to strengthen the dissipator – maintaining its safe operation into the future.

The dissipator is the concrete structure that absorbs the energy of water flowing over the flood gates, and prevents damaging erosion of the river channel downstream.

The work will be completed in stages to ensure the dam can continue to operate – with early works commencing before Christmas, main construction starting in March next year, and the project to be completed mid-2027.

The project will require the NCA to lower the level of Lake Burley Griffin by up to 500mm from March 2025 for the duration of the project.

The NCA will work with stakeholders to mitigate the impact of this wherever possible.

To stay up-to-date with the project, visit: www.nca.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Territories, Kristy McBain MP:

“These upgrades will be the most significant works undertaken at Scrivener Dam since it was built in 1963 – and will ensure that it’s here long into the future.

“This is a complex engineering job that’s been talked about for a long time – and the Albanese Government is getting on with delivering it, because we understand its national significance.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Canberra, Alicia Payne MP:

“Scrivener Dam holds back all 33,000 megalitres of water in our iconic Lake Burley Griffin.

“I’m excited to see this project progressing, because it’s just one of the many ways the Albanese Government is investing in critical infrastructure for Canberra’s future.”