Upper Teddington Reservoir Decommissioning Project
Project Timeline
The project will take place in three phases:
- Phase 1 (2023): Early planning, environmental, heritage, cultural heritage, hydrological and geotechnical assessments of the site.
- Phase 2 (2023-2024): Consultants and engineers engaged to explore decommissioning options.
- Phase 3 (2025): Appointment of contractor and decommissioning works commence.
The above timeline is subject to assessments, on-ground and construction industry conditions.
Current status: A design consultant has been engaged and an options analysis is continuing to explore decommissioning options. These options are based on the outcomes of heritage, cultural heritage, environmental, planning and hydrology assessments.
Last updated: May 2024
Project background
This project is being delivered on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
Upper Teddington Reservoir is located on Strathfillian Creek in the Kara Kara National Park, situated just upstream from the newer Lower Teddington Reservoir. The Upper Reservoir is over 130 years old, and was originally designed to supply water to the town of St Arnaud. The Reservoir provided a continuous supply of water to the town for almost 90 years, until an alternative supply was eventually found. Currently, water from the Upper Reservoir feeds into the Lower Reservoir.
Engineers undertook a risk assessment of the Upper Teddington Reservoir in 2020, and found it posed a long-term safety risk to the community due to ageing infrastructure.
Due to the potential long-term safety risks and ongoing maintenance costs, Parks Victoria has made the decision to decommission the Upper Teddington Reservoir at Kara Kara National Park. The Victorian Government has provided funding to deliver the decommissioning project.
Current status
A design consultant has been engaged to explore decommissioning options based on the outcomes of heritage, cultural heritage, environmental, planning and hydrology assessments.
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Related information
Media release June 2023: Future of Upper Teddington Reservoir considered
FAQs
Why is the Upper Teddington Reservoir being decommissioned?
Engineers undertook a risk assessment of the Upper Teddington Reservoir in 2020, and found it posed a long-term safety risk to the community due to ageing infrastructure.
The priority for Parks Victoria is to manage this risk and to ensure the safety of visitors and the community.
Decisions on dam maintenance and decommissioning will be made in line with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s (DEECA) guidelines.
What will the decommissioning look like?
Decommissioning options will be explored following completion of planning, environmental, heritage, cultural heritage, hydrological, and geotechnical assessments.
Decisions on reservoir maintenance and decommissioning will be made in line with DEECA guidelines.
What environmental and cultural heritage management is being undertaken?
Comprehensive planning, environmental and heritage assessments are being undertaken as part of the decommissioning project.
Will the decommissioning impact water supply to the community?
No. The decommissioning project will not impact clean water supply to the community. Any questions regarding water supply should be directed to the responsible authority, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water.
Questions relating to the Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Rural Water Supply project can be directed to the Northern Grampians Shire Council on 03 5358 8600 or ngshire@ngshire.vic.gov.au.
Will the project have an impact on the nearby campground?
No. Parks Victoria is also working closely with Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) who are leading the planning for upgrades of the campground of the Upper Teddington Reservoir. The campground will continue to provide recreational and wellbeing benefits to both the local community and visitors. This project is one of many improvement programs that DJAARA are leading across six jointly managed Victorian parks.