The largest water storage infrastructure project in Northern Australia takes another significant step forward.
A $6 million contract has been awarded to Australian and local company SMEC Australia to deliver the final concept design for the Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage project (AROWS).
SMEC Australia have been delivering projects in the Territory for more than four decades. The highly accomplished company brings strong experience, capability and highly specialised skills to deliver this critical component of the AROWS project.
AROWS is part of the Darwin Region Water Supply Program, which also includes Manton Dam Return to Service; Stage 1 of the Program has attracted over $300 million in investment from the Australian Government.
AROWS will secure Greater Darwin’s water supply for the next 50 years, and will be a critical enabler for agricultural and industrial growth. AROWS will provide long term water supply for the Lambells Lagoon Agribusiness precinct and the Middle Arm Sustainable Development precinct.
This innovative and sustainable large scale water storage project takes full advantage of the natural features of its location to capture and store water, no dam infrastructure is required across the river, minimising environmental impact.
The design is expected to take approximately 12 to 18 months to complete, with construction expected to start in 2026.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Territory Development, Eva Lawler:
“The AROWS project is one of a kind, no other state or territory is securing long term water supply through infrastructure with this degree of innovation and sustainability.
“Water is a key enabler for urban, economic and agricultural growth, and this investment will play a large role in reaching our goal of becoming a $40 billion economy by 2030.
“It is very exciting to have SMEC Australia on board, a highly skilled company who has been operating in the Territory for over a decade.”
Quotes attributable to SMEC Australia Area Manager, Jocelyn Ellero:
“AROWS will become an iconic project in the NT, I am not only looking forward to delivering a project of such high technical calibre, but the impact we will have on the community and future growth of Greater Darwin.”
Northern Territory Government
