In early 2020, the NT Government, in collaboration with Power and Water Corporation (Power and Water), identified a strategic need to address Darwin's long-term water supply and demand issues as they faced increasing pressure due to population growth and climate change.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) was engaged to develop a Detailed Business Case (DBC) to investigate and evaluate potential water supply augmentations and interventions that respond to the expected future industrial, agricultural and horticultural, and urban demand.
Donald Cant Watts Corke is pleased to have provided costing services for the Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage (AROWS) business case for PwC.
The business case recommended two projects, including the AROWS and the Manton Dam Return to Service (RTS) projects, as the best solutions to ensuring water security for the Darwin region amid growing concerns over water supply.
The AROWS and the Manton Dam RTS projects are expected to supply 67 billion litres of water a year at full capacity for the Darwin region, with construction expected to cost $1.45 billion.
If approved, the project is expected to take between seven to 10 years, with works to include a water allocation plan for Adelaide River, environmental impact assessments, and consultation with landholders.
The proposed AROWS project site would be located about 5 kilometres north of Lake Bennett, next to the Adelaide River on Wulna Country.
The project will be the biggest public infrastructure project undertaken in the Territory for many years.
Key Personnel
Keith Watt, Manager Northen Territory – DCWC