A possible upper Cloncurry River Dam takes shape with geotechnical drilling at the potential Cave Hill Dam site this month.
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This work is part of a feasibility study supported by funding from the Australian Government - National Water Infrastructure Development Fund, an initiative of the northern Australia and Agricultural Competitiveness white papers.
MITEZ president David Glasson said they tasked Jacobs Australia to undertake the feasibility study of the the dam which could unlock economic development in the area if found to be viable.
Jacobs Project Director, Michelle Watson, said the Cave Hill Dam site, 20km south of Cloncurry appeared to have the most potential.
“The next step is to test whether the foundation conditions are suitable for a dam, as there are known geological faults in this area, which could prove a challenge for the design engineers.”
MITEZ Project Manager Dr Romy Greiner said targeted geotechnical drilling would commence in early December to add to the body of scientific knowledge about the Cave Hill Dam site.
“The drilling and limited excavation activities will progress for one to two weeks, using local contractors and expert advisors,” Dr Greiner said. “Based on what we find, Jacobs’ dam engineers will develop a more refined design for a possible Cave Hill Dam in early 2018.”
READ MORE: MITEZ investigates Cloncurry Dam
Ms Watson said Roxmere Station owner Sam Daniels had allowed contractor access to the site and agreed to providing water to support the drilling. “The Jacobs team is continuing dialogue with the local applicants for Native Title – the Mitakoodi and Mayi people – who have offered to share insights about the cultural significance of the area” she said.
Jacobs Project Manager Angus MacDonald said preliminary assessment of the demand for shows there may be an opportunity to establish an irrigated agricultural sector assuming the technical and economic aspects and the supply chain stack up.
“If so, down the track it also would be relatively easy for the trading market to make some water allocations available for mining developments,” Mr MacDonald said.
Cloncurry mayor Greg Campbell said he hoped Cave Hill stacked up.
“A main driver for a major storage on the Cloncurry River is to provide sufficient, affordable water to develop an irrigated agriculture precinct, additional water for industry and water security for our communities,” he said.