Construction is underway on the North Pine Dam Staged Strengthening project, marking the first phase of a major program to enhance the safety and longevity of one of South East Queensland’s key drinking water assets.
The works involve precision drilling through the dam wall to install post-tensioned anchors, providing additional structural weight and improving the dam’s ability to withstand extreme weather events.
North Pine Dam plays a critical role in the SEQ Water Grid, supplying drinking water to communities across north Brisbane and Moreton Bay.
Why staged strengthening is needed
Although North Pine Dam has operated safely since its construction in 1976, engineering standards for dam safety have continued to evolve.
Staged strengthening works allow Seqwater to improve the asset’s structural performance now while preparing it for a future major upgrade that will align the dam with contemporary design and safety requirements.
The current phase provides a practical way to manage risk and maintain safety while longer-term planning progresses.
What the strengthening works involve
Specialist contractor SRG Global Civil Pty Ltd commenced drilling works in November, installing 55 vertical post-tensioned anchors from the dam crest into the foundation rock.
The anchors range from 39 to 101 metres in length and will add approximately 75,000 tonnes of effective weight to the dam wall once tensioned.
In total, the project will use close to 246 kilometres of high-tensile steel strand, reflecting the scale and complexity of the works being undertaken.
Supporting future dam upgrades
Seqwater Executive General Manager, Infrastructure Planning and Capital Delivery, Sarah Dixon, said the staged strengthening project is an important step in securing the dam’s long-term role in the region’s water supply.
“We’re investing in our region’s dams to help secure South East Queensland’s water future, ensuring our infrastructure continues to serve communities safely and reliably for decades to come,” Dixon said.
She said the works will deliver immediate safety benefits while supporting a larger upgrade planned for the future.
“The strengthening works will deliver enhanced dam safety benefits and are an important step towards the major upgrade planned,” she said.
Jobs, delivery and next steps
The staged strengthening project is supporting around 50 on-site jobs and is expected to continue through to late 2026, subject to weather and site conditions.
Seqwater said the works form part of a broader program of dam safety upgrades across South East Queensland, reflecting the importance of proactive asset management amid climate variability and population growth.