38 BUILDING AUSTRALIA 2014
WINNER
Toyota National Civil/Infrastructure Award – over $25 million
Bulk Water Alliance
Australian Capital Territory
Project Cotter Dam ProjectThe Cotter Dam project is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Canberra’s history. The enlarged dam has increased Canberra’s water
storage capacity by 35%. The new dam was constructed downstream of the original Cotter Dam and at 87 metres high is the tallest roller compacted
concrete dam in Australia. Excavation of the foundations for its abutments required an extensive operation on extremely steep slopes at heights up
to 110 meters. Construction of the dam required a high level of planning and implementation of complex logistics. The high-risk nature of the project
meant safety was a major consideration and the subject of significant management effort.