Eva Lawler

Chief Minister of the Northern Territory

Kate Worden

Minister for Essential Services

Media Release

Securing our drinking water supply

5 May 2024

A major construction tender has been awarded to a local Territory company which will support over 200 workers.

The Territory Labor Government has taken a major step forward in securing the future water supply of the Darwin region by awarding the design and construction tender of the Manton Dam Return to Service project.

Northern Territory Company Exact Contracting Pty Ltd has been awarded the $134 million contract, to deliver this project.

The Manton Dam Return to Service project is part of Stage 1 of the Darwin Region Water Supply Program, which includes the Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage (AROWS) project.

The Territory Labor Government and Power and Water are delivering the Program in partnership with the Australian Government’s National Water Grid which has committed over $300 million to support the delivery of the first stage to secure Darwin’s water supply for the long term.

During the peak of construction, it is estimated this contract will provide over 250 local jobs, with construction set to commence late 2024.

Manton Dam will continue to be a recreational resource for the Darwin community. A recreation management plan for the reservoir will be developed and the new Strauss Water Treatment plant will adopt state of the art technology to ensure the dam meets stringent drinking water quality standards.

When the project is complete Manton Dam will provide an additional 7,300 megalitres a year into the Darwin region water supply system to provide water security and support future economic development into the region.

The Manton Dam Return to Service project includes:

Upgrade of the existing intake tower and the construction of a new 20ML/day pumping station at Manton DamA 22km 600mm pipeline from Manton to Strauss (at Stuart Highway/ Cox Peninsular Road)Construction of a new 20ML/day water treatment plant at Strauss.

Power and Water has completed planning and approvals processes to prepare the project including the environmental referral through the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority.

The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.

Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:

“My team is investing in projects which support Territorians in work and this is what this $134 million tender is doing.

“It is vital we secure sustainable solutions that protect our environment and maintain our great Territory lifestyle.

“This project is a big step in securing the Territory's water supply for the next fifty years, it is also a major step towards reaching our goal of a $40 billion economy by 2030”.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Essential Services Kate Worden:

“The AROWS project will play a major role in the Territory’s economic growth and reaching our goal of creating a $40 billion economy by 2030.

“The Territory Labor Government owns our power and water infrastructure and that is why we can make these investments to secure the drinking water and power supply of Territorians.

“Only a Territory Labor Government will keep these assets in the hands of Territorians.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek:

“Water is our most precious resource, and it is important that we continue to provide security for regions like Darwin in the Northern Territory.

“This project, in cooperation with the Northern Territory Government, will help to upgrade existing infrastructure at Manton Dam.

“We are continuing to work closely with our state and territory partners to identify, plan and deliver crucial projects that will provide water security for our kids and our grandkids.”

Quotes attributable to Power and Water Executive General Manager Water Services Stephen Vlahovic :

“Power and Water is committed to delivering secure, reliable, and cost-effective drinking water for Territorians, now and into the future.

“Power and Water is looking forward to working with Exact Contracting Pty Ltd to deliver this major water infrastructure project. Their successful tender submission met both the technical requirements of the project and incorporates a significant number of local businesses to deliver the works and was assessed as providing best value for the Territory.”

Northern Territory Government

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