Scrivener Dam - Dissipator Strengthening Project

No submissions were received during the public consultation period.

Works Approval – Public Consultation

Scrivener Dam Dissipator Strengthening Project (Permanent Works)

Consultation Process

The National Capital Authority (NCA) is seeking public comment on the proposal and any issues which the community believes should be considered as part of the NCA’s detailed evaluation of the application.

Closing Date

5:00pm, Canberra Time, Monday 17 June 2024

Detail of Proposal

The proposal is for the Scrivener Dam Dissipator Strengthening Project. It includes various works to strengthen the downstream structure of the dam – the Dissipator – to ensure the Dam’s ongoing safe operation.

The proposed works include the following activities: 

• Installation of new fit-for-purpose ground anchors to provide adequate restraint against uplift pressures

• Installation of a new topping slab over the existing slab to tie the dissipator to the ground anchors and to enable the installation of water stops to prevent transient pressure transmission. New baffle blocks are also required to maintain the Dissipator’s geometry

• Installation of new erosion protection on the downstream abutments of the Dam to minimise risk of erosion of these areas during flood operations.

The staging and method of construction are detailed in the attached planning report. 

Background Information

The Dam is located on the Molonglo River corridor in the suburb of Yarralumla, Canberra. The Dam is bridged by Lady Denman Drive and is located adjacent to Government House and the National Zoo and Aquarium.

The Dam was designed in the late 1950's for the National Capital Development Commission by the Commonwealth Department of Works, Major Development Division. The construction of the Dam commenced in 1960 and was completed in 1963. It is situated on the Molonglo River and the detention of water creates Lake Burley Griffin – an ornamental and recreational body of water which forms the architectural centrepiece of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin’s vision for Canberra. 

The Lake was included on the Commonwealth Heritage list in 2022. The listing also extends to adjacent lands including the Dam.

It is a concrete gravity dam constructed from roughly 55,000m³ of concrete. The Dam is 25 metres high with a crest length of 235 metres.

The NCA is responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of Scrivener Dam. A detailed design review of the Dam was undertaken by the NCA's dam safety engineer in 2014 and was again reviewed in 2016. 

Following review by the NCA's dam safety engineer, it was recommended that a project be undertaken to strengthen the Dissipator of the Dam to minimise risk to the safety of the Dam during flood operations.

In August 2023, the project was referred to the Parliamentary Works Committee (PWC) for review, public consultation and approval. PWC approval for the project was granted in November 2023.

HAVE YOUR SAY

The NCA welcomes feedback on this application by 5:00pm, Canberra Time, Monday 17 June 2024. Submissions can be made by email to: WAconsultation@nca.gov.au.