Theresa Creek Dam, Clermont Dredging Project

Isaac Regional Council wishes to inform Clermont residents about the dredging works at Theresa Creek Dam (TCD).

Council has engaged contractor Dredging Solutions to carry out the works which will occur from:

Tuesday, 6 April to end May 2021 Including weekends 8am – 5pm each day

Initial stages of the project have commenced ahead of the dredging, including preparing the site, earthworks and installing a bypass pump.

The dredging will remove 12,000 cubic metres which will enable the lower two levels of the TCD Water Tower to be fully operational and improve the town’s water security and quality.

The dredging work exclusion zone will be clearly marked by buoys within Theresa Creek Dam.

It is not anticipated that the dredging operations will have a significant impact on any recreational water activities such as water skiing, permitting safe distances are maintained.

The dredging contractor will seek to minimise the exclusion zone during the Easter and April School Holiday period.

Residents are encouraged to visit the dam for recreational activities as per usual, obeying any erected signage displayed.

Resident’s water supply will not be disrupted or affected during these works.

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

Dredging Solutions will remove as much sediment as possible (approximately 12,000 cubic metres) from the area around the TCD Water Tower. The sediment will be transferred into specially designed Geotube dewatering containers, which will allow the reusable water to drain and solids to be stored and dry out, in a secured fenced-off area nearby the dredging site. The clear water will be pumped back into TCD. Once the material collected is dry and usable, which can take 6 – 12 months, it will be repurposed and used in the Clermont Caravan Park to improve the facility and grassed areas. A temporary suction pump will be installed between the dam wall and tower to ensure high quality water drawing while the dredging takes place and isolation of the tower.  

WHY ARE WE DOING IT?

The current water intake tower situated in the Policeman’s Creek channel has four portals for the pumping of raw water to the Clermont Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which supplies the township’s water source. Currently, the silt level has risen above the bottom two portals causing them to be unusable. The dredging process will allow for full access to available water. This will allow for a more consistent quality of water to be obtained for the supply to the WTP.  

The Queensland Government has allocated $900,000 to the Theresa Creek Dam Water Storage project, which the Isaac Regional Council estimates will create or support 24 local jobs.

The dredging is expected to be completed by May 2021.

Council thanks the Clermont community for their patience and understanding as this important work is carried out to maintain and improve the quality of the town’s water supply.

Considerations have also been conducted to minimise any inconvenience to customers at the caravan park, in coordination with the caravan park management team.

In the event of discolouration of your water supply occurs, please:

Turn on the tap nearest to the ground level (usually an outside tap). Allow it run for up to five minutes until water runs clear. Households are encouraged to use this water on lawns and gardens.

For more information, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Gary Stevenson PSM Chief Executive Officer