Chambers Creek concrete base removal – May 2025
Please be advised that the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) will be commencing works at Chambers Creek to remove concrete materials in the base of the creek. The concrete is 10m x 10m and positioned approximately 1.4m below surface level.
A concrete base was installed during the Millennium Drought as the base for a regulator structure, which was used to control water flows into Lake Bonney. Following the drought, the Government of South Australia committed to removing the structure, with the regulator being removed in 2009. After concerns were raised regarding the concrete base not being included in this process, the remaining material is now being removed to avoid any future hazards.
Subject to approvals, works are anticipated to commence in late May 2025 and will take approximately 4 weeks to complete (weather and conditions dependent).
Works involved in the project include installing temporary:
- coffer dams to create a dry, watertight working environment at the site. This will require the lake to be disconnected from the creek to enable safe access to the site. The project team will ensure this time is kept to a minimum, with the disconnection time estimated at approximately one week.
- silt curtains to control the settling of silt and prevent these particles from spreading within the channel. In addition, turbidity monitoring, which involves continuously measuring and controlling the levels of ‘cloudiness’ caused by suspended particles, will be undertaken to maintain water quality standards.
- fencing and appropriate signage, with an approved traffic management plan in place.
DEW’s Water Infrastructure and Operations Branch is overseeing construction and working closely with Berri Barmera Council. Site works are being delivered by Scherer Contractors Pty Ltd.
For queries about the project, please email DEW.WIOcommunications@sa.gov.au
