A $2 million project is set to begin in 2023 to repair the ageing Kennington Reservoir dam wall and infrastructure on behalf of the City of Greater Bendigo.
City of Greater Bendigo Director Presentation and Assets, Brian Westley, said Kennington Reservoir was constructed in 1861 and had its last major upgrade when it was widened and repaired almost 100 years ago, in 1929, due to seepage issues.
“It has not had any major renewal works undertaken on it since that time,” Mr Westley said.
“Over the past decade the City has commissioned a specialist engineer to undertake regular monitoring and assessment reports on the dam wall that have recommended repair work be undertaken to ensure the dam can continue to remain safe, and open to the public.
“The works are necessary to ensure the ongoing safety of the community and the City has obtained a planning permit for the project to proceed.”
The project will include:
- Replacement of the dam wall outlet pipe as it is at the end of its usable life
- Removal of vegetation from the upstream batter (wet side) as tree roots create seepage paths into the wall
- Reprofile and repair the shape of the upstream batter and line the face with a rock beaching to ensure no erosion
- Construction of a waterproof layer along the length of the wall to ensure no seepage through the wall
- Repairs to the damaged spillway and a short section of the downstream creek channel
- Repairs to the fishing platforms
“Kennington Reservoir is a unique nature conservation and passive recreation area that is greatly valued by the community and the City is planning to undertake the works to have the least impact possible on aquatic wildlife. However, the work will require the removal of some vegetation and trees,” Mr Westley said.
“The City is keen to keep the community informed about the project, why it needs to be undertaken, what it will entail and how it will affect the community and users of the surrounding parkland.”
Work is planned to commence in early 2023 and is expected to be completed before the end of 2023.
Image of Kennington Reservoir dam courtesy of the City of Greater Bendigo.
