Callide Dam Gates Project

Project Overview

The Callide Dam Gates Project was set up to investigate and remediate the spillway gates to address intermittent occurrences of vibration during their operation and ensure ongoing dam safety and long-term water security.

Since their installation in 1988, the spillway gates have operated on seven flood event occasions, and during three of these, Sunwater has observed vibrations in the gates.

From May 2021, Sunwater carried out investigations and work at the dam to find the best possible solution to address gate vibrations.

The initial project scope involved the removal of the dam’s spillway gates for further investigations into the vibration issue but in November 2021, Sunwater communicated that a possible solution had been determined that allowed the gates to remain in place.

Sunwater completed on-site works as part of the Callide Dam Gates Project in late-2022 and commenced finalising documentation to return the dam to its pre-project full supply level.

On-site works as part of the project included strengthening each gate structure, upgrading the gate control system and replacing gate seals.

Works in the latter months of the project included thorough investigations and testing to confirm that further enhancements to control vibration are not required.

Background

Callide Dam is a gated dam with its primary function being to store water for regional irrigation, industrial and urban use.

Callide Dam’s six large spillway gates were installed in 1988 and are an integral part of its operating system, allowing flows from upstream to pass through the dam. The gates’ operations protect the integrity of the dam structure and from water rising above the full supply level, to minimise the risk of dam overflow. Find out more about Callide Dam here.

Community engagement

Sunwater remained committed to engaging openly and transparently with its customers, stakeholders and community throughout the project. The safety of our people and the community is our number one priority.

Location

Callide Dam, approximately 12km from Biloela in Central Queensland.