A $3.9 million safety upgrade to the Bethungra Dam has finally been completed, almost 20 years after it was declared structurally unsafe.
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Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, who announced the work had been finished on Friday, said the upgrades used 20,000 cubic metres of rock used to strengthen the 100-year-old dam wall.
“Dams must meet strict design requirements to ensure they are safe and less prone to overtopping during heavy rain events,” Ms Cooke said.
“The design was also optimised to use locally available rock, from the Bethungra Railway Spiral spoils heap, which meant savings of around $500,000 in the project budget.”
Miss Cooke said the money saved on the project was instead put towards improving the surrounding reserve ahead of camping season.
“The improvements include new levelled pads for vans, tents and RVs, a turning circle for large vehicles and a new canoe launching area,” Ms Cooke said.
