AECOM to Lead South East Queensland Dam Upgrades
AECOM, the trusted global infrastructure leader, has been appointed as the dams engineering services provider for Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program and other critical dam infrastructure projects in South East Queensland. This new role solidifies AECOM’s long-standing partnership with Seqwater, the region’s bulk water supply authority, as they work together to enhance water security and dam resilience in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. The collaboration underscores AECOM’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge engineering solutions that strengthen communities and ensure the long-term sustainability of Queensland’s water resources.
Strengthening South East Queensland’s Water Infrastructure
Under this new appointment, AECOM will lead major works, including the next phase of upgrades for three key gated dams in the region: Wivenhoe, Somerset, and North Pine. These projects are vital to ensuring that the dams continue to operate safely and effectively, particularly in the face of extreme weather events that pose increasing challenges due to climate change.
As part of its role, AECOM will provide critical technical planning and design support for Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program. The firm will work on finalizing the Detailed Business Case (DBC) for the Somerset Dam Improvement Project and will also contribute to the DBC for the North Pine Dam Improvement Project. Additionally, AECOM will assist with the Options Analysis (OA) for the Wivenhoe Dam upgrade, ensuring that the best solutions are implemented for the long-term safety and functionality of these essential water supply structures.
AECOM’s expertise in dam engineering and infrastructure solutions will be instrumental in ensuring that these projects meet modern engineering and safety standards. By integrating cutting-edge technology and global best practices, AECOM aims to support Seqwater in enhancing water security, flood mitigation, and overall community resilience.
A Commitment to Resilient and Sustainable Water Management
AECOM’s global Water business chief executive, Beverley Stinson, emphasized the importance of the partnership with Seqwater, highlighting the shared commitment to protecting South East Queensland’s water infrastructure.
“Together with Seqwater, AECOM is committed to ensuring South East Queensland’s dams can continue to withstand extreme weather events,” said Stinson. “Our teams bring deep technical expertise and a wealth of global experience to ensure the ongoing safety, resilience, and reliability of Queensland’s water supply systems. We look forward to supporting Seqwater’s vision for a sustainable future and ensuring that communities across the region have access to clean, safe drinking water for generations to come.”
Mark McManamny, AECOM’s chief executive for the Australia and New Zealand region, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the longstanding relationship between AECOM and Seqwater.
“We are excited to continue our trusted partnership with Seqwater, a leader in delivering sustainable and innovative water solutions for South East Queensland,” said McManamny. “Our collaboration has been crucial in advancing critical infrastructure projects, including the Hinze Dam and the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project. This latest appointment further cements our commitment to strengthening Queensland’s water security and resilience.”
Key Projects and Timeline
As part of the broader Dam Improvement Program, several critical infrastructure projects will commence in the coming years:
- Somerset Dam Improvement Project – AECOM is currently assisting Seqwater in finalizing the Detailed Business Case (DBC) for the upgrade of Somerset Dam. Enabling works are expected to begin in 2025 as part of the first phase of its upgrade.
- North Pine Dam Strengthening Works – Staged strengthening works at North Pine Dam will commence in 2024, providing enhanced safety measures in advance of a major upgrade.
- Wivenhoe Dam Options Analysis – Geotechnical investigations for the Wivenhoe Dam upgrade concluded in late 2024, marking an important step in determining the best course of action for the dam’s long-term resilience.
Enhancing Water Security for South East Queensland
Seqwater is responsible for providing safe and secure bulk water supply to more than 3.8 million residents in South East Queensland. The organization owns and operates 26 dams across the region, playing a critical role in ensuring water security and flood mitigation.
The decision to upgrade Wivenhoe, Somerset, and North Pine Dams is driven by the need to meet modern engineering and safety standards. These three dams are among the region’s most important water assets, supplying drinking water while also serving as key flood mitigation structures. With South East Queensland experiencing rapid population growth and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, upgrading these dams is essential to maintaining a reliable water supply and safeguarding communities from potential flood risks.
AECOM’s Expertise in Infrastructure and Water Management
AECOM has a proven track record in designing and managing complex water infrastructure projects worldwide. As a Fortune 500 firm with $16.1 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2024, AECOM continues to lead the industry in delivering innovative and sustainable solutions. The company’s expertise spans various sectors, including water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings, making it well-positioned to tackle the challenges of modern water management.
AECOM’s involvement in the Dam Improvement Program is a testament to its ability to provide high-quality engineering solutions that enhance safety, sustainability, and resilience. The company’s approach combines cutting-edge technology, rigorous risk assessment, and an unwavering commitment to community well-being.
