In brief
The Manton Dam Return to Service project has entered its commissioning stage, with the government reporting a cost of about A$174 million and a budget underrun of A$15 million. Once the new water treatment plant and connecting pipeline are operational, the project will augment Darwin’s supply by 7,300 megalitres per year. More than 111 employees and 500 contractors have already contributed to the work.
Australia’s Northern Territory has entered the commissioning stage of the Manton Dam Return to Service project, a major water infrastructure investment that is expected to boost water supply to Darwin by the end of 2026, the territory government said on Monday, according to Xinhua.
Project Milestones
The project, costing about 174 million Australian dollars – roughly 114 million U.S. dollars – comes in 15 million Australian dollars under the original budget, Xinhua reported. The commissioning effort now includes the modernisation of an existing reservoir intake tower, construction of a new Strauss Water Treatment Plant, a new pump station and 22 kilometres of pipeline.
Once operational, the Manton Dam will supply an additional 7,300 megalitres of water annually to the Darwin region, strengthening water security for the capital city and surrounding communities, Xinhua said.
Economic and Community Benefits
Over the past two years, the project has engaged more than 111 employees and 500 contractors, providing economic benefits to local businesses. The initiative is part of the first stage of the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program, jointly funded by the Australian federal and Northern Territory governments, the government statement noted.
Construction of the new water treatment plant is underway, with water from Manton Dam expected to enter Darwin’s supply network by the end of 2026, Xinhua added.
