Charleston Dam Project

Trazlbat delivered the design and construction of a major regional water supply scheme connecting the Charleston Dam to the townships of Georgetown and Forsayth in North Queensland. The project formed part of Etheridge Shire Council’s long-term water security strategy, significantly improving potable water storage, treatment, and distribution capacity across the region.

The works included approximately 40 kilometres of gravity and rising main pipelines, pump station infrastructure, storage tanks, water treatment systems, and associated electrical, telemetry, and solar power components. The system was designed to transfer water from the new dam storage to upgraded reservoirs servicing both communities.

Scope of Works

• Design and construction of approximately 40 km of combined gravity and rising main water pipelines.
• Installation of all intake infrastructure, pumps, valves, fittings, and associated pipeline components.
• Construction of a 1ML storage tank at the new Charleston Dam site.
• Construction of a 600kL storage tank at Forsayth.
• Design and construction of pump station infrastructure.
• Installation of electrical, instrumentation, and telemetry systems for remote monitoring and control.
• Construction of a chlorine dosing station for potable water treatment.
• Development and installation of a solar farm to support off-grid power requirements.
• Installation of a floating intake system at the dam.
• Excavation, trenching, bedding, pipe laying, backfilling, and compaction across the 40 km pipeline corridor.
• Pressure testing, commissioning, and integration of the complete water supply system.
• Site reinstatement and environmental rehabilitation of disturbed areas.

Project Challenges

• Working in extreme heat conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C and high humidity levels.
• Encountering wildlife hazards, including snakes, across remote construction corridors.
• Excavation through variable and rocky strata conditions along the pipeline alignment.
• Delivering works in a highly remote region requiring extensive logistics planning and material coordination.
• Managing long-distance construction interfaces between dam infrastructure, pump stations, and town reservoirs.
• Maintaining programme efficiency in isolated conditions with limited access to support services.