Ewem Maddock Dam stays open

Keep on swimming at Ewen Maddock Dam

Seqwater announced in February that it planned to close the popular Ewen Maddock Dam for a range of recreational activities to allow for maintenance projects to be undertaken.

This would have stopped all on-water activities, including swimming, for a period of 18 months from August.

However, the works have been rescheduled meaning that – to the relief of local families – the water will remain open for swimming until Seqwater finalises the new project timeline.

Seqwater chief executive officer Neil Brennan said that unfortunately the tender process did not result in any viable tenders.

“Dam upgrades are highly technical and complex projects. We are now conducting a post tender review to better understand the response of potential contractors before re-issuing a tender for the project. The new tender will reflect the review process,’’ Mr Brennan said.

“The upgrade of Ewen Maddock will increase the dam's resilience to extreme events and bring the dam in line with modern engineering design standards. The revised construction schedule will not increase any risks to dam safety.”

To undertake the upgrade safely the lake’s water level will need to be lowered to about 60 per cent of its full supply level.

During the upgrade, all on-water recreation, including the designated swimming and beach area, will be closed for the duration of the upgrade work. The closure will also extend to Maddock Park, which will be required as a set down area for the project.