The new reservoir is hoped to increase Queanbeyan-Palerang’s water storage. Photo: sonsam.
The start of construction on a $13 million regional reservoir is locked in for later this year with an Australian company scoring the contract.
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) is set to refresh the Jerrabomberra Reservoir within Mount Jerrabomberra Reserve.
It supplies water to much of Queanbeyan, and the existing reservoir has been in continuous service for more than 40 years.
Council has said it needs to be upgraded and that more water storage is needed for the region.
During a recent meeting, councillors unanimously voted to award the project’s contract to Leed Engineering and Construction Pty Ltd, for a lump sum of $13,005,515 (excluding GST).
The company is a privately-owned Australian civil contractor, according to its website, and has specialist expertise in building water treatment plants and water storage (such as reservoirs and dams).
According to a fact sheet on council’s website, the project is fully funded by QPRC through water charges and developer contributions.
A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has been prepared by NSW Public Works, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for the project, which will involve the demolition of the existing 1.8 ML reservoir.
It also includes the design and construction of a replacement, a new 19.4 ML reservoir, within an already cleared area of the reserve.
“The project will also see a new retaining wall and earthworks (as required), as well as the replacement of an existing boundary fence and gate being replaced,” the document notes.
“The finalised extent of works and exact footprint locations are yet to be determined by QPRC.”
While the site would be visible from a publicly accessible access road, existing bushland will help to make sure it is “screened from view”. The REF also outlines several other measures to make sure it ‘blends into’ the bush.
“The colours and textures of the materials for the proposal have been selected to blend and integrate sympathetically with the surrounding natural environment.”
Existing fencing around the site will also be replaced with a black steel-framed fence.
The new reservoir will be made from concrete and designed to withstand a bushfire. Its roof will also be painted a natural green.
The area intended for the new reservoir has previously been cleared and levelled. Photo: Supplied.
The REF also has details on an electrical building as part of the project.
“The proposed new electrical building will be constructed within the area of the proposed reservoir and immediately adjacent to the existing compound vehicular gate entrance,” the document notes.
“The proposed reservoir will screen the proposed electrical building.”
This building would be built from brick or reinforced concrete blocks, which would limit any noise from its operation or maintenance.
The REF also indicates that the works are not likely to have a significant impact on the environment, including threatened species, populations, ecological communities, or critical habitat.
The land has also been designated as bushfire-prone.
Construction works would also see the creation of a temporary compound.
The land for the project is owned by QPRC Operational Land under the control of utilities (the site for the reservoir and electrical building) or is in private ownership (the compound).
An in-principle agreement with owners has been obtained, according to the REF.
QPRC expects the project will be finished by September 2026, with preliminary works to start in mid-July.
The majority of the works will be carried out from 7 am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday) and 8 am to 1 pm (on Saturday). Some night work will also be involved.
Further information on the new Jerrabomberra Reservoir project is available on council’s website.
