Dam work lifts city’s security

CONTRACTORS have called in a crane for an upgrade of Paluma Dam, which will increase its capacity by around 2600 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Townsville City Council Deputy Mayor Mark Molachino said the project would enhance long-term water security.

“Local contractor TEI Services is overseeing a great project, which will increase the dam’s capacity by around 6600 megalitres,” he said.

“They are installing 25 large steel flashboards to boost the dam’s capacity from 11,400 megalitres to almost 18,000.”

Cr Molachino said the crane was lifting the flashboards up to increase the height of the 60m spillway by 150mm.

“Council is investing $750,000 to maintain and strengthen the dam so it can continue to serve the community well into the future.”

Councillor Margie Ryder said the contractors were making good progress.