Design and construction of second Jerrabomberra Reservoir

Project typeCapital Works
Project value$20 million
Project scheduleJuly 2025 - September 2026
Contractor nameLeed Engineering and Construction Pty Ltd

Demolition of the Jerrabomberra small reservoir

Project update

Works are progressing well on site. During December, until the end-of-year break, the earthworks will continue as the base is prepared for the new reservoir. A small number of concrete trucks will be accessing the site.

We are aiming to minimise disturbance, though some areas of the reserve need to be closed to ensure safety during construction. Residents are encouraged to observe site signage and fencing.

Project background

The project consists of:

Design and construction a new 19.4 ML concrete reservoir (adjacent to the existing reservoir) and associated site works to facilitate safe and effective operation and maintenance of the site
New retaining wall and earthworks as required for the new reservoir
Replacement of the existing boundary fence and gate
Demolition of existing auxiliary 1.8 ML reservoir
Other associated works

The Jerrabomberra Reservoir is part of the Queanbeyan-Palerang Water Supply Scheme. It supplies water to the bulk of Queanbeyan. The existing Jerrabomberra Reservoir is a steel reservoir with a storage capacity of 22ML. This reservoir has now been in continuous service for in excess of 40 years and is in need of refurbishment. In addition to this, the site lacks sufficient storage in the event of supply interruption from Icon Water, a shortcoming identified in Council’s recently developed Queanbeyan Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan. To address these concerns, QPRC will construct a new reservoir to provide for additional water storage and to enable rectification works to be undertaken to the existing reservoir.

The works are located within the Jerrabomberra Mountain Reserve, a highly valued natural area. As such, the contractor will be required to maintain Jerrabomberra Hill Road for the duration of the works, and will also be required to manage their works to minimise the interruption to users of the reserve. The contractor will also be required to manage the environmental impacts in accordance with the approved Review of Environmental Factors.

The project is fully funded by Council from water charges and developer contributions.

Project Timeframes

The project timeframes are outlined below. All dates are indicative and may change.

Completed tasks

Design and Construct Tender closed – mid-April 2025
Design and Construct Tender awarded by Council at 24 July 2025 meeting to Leed Engineering and Construction Pty Ltd
Preliminary works included trimming of vegetation, establishment of site compounds, establishment of environmental, pedestrian and traffic controls and site investigations - August 2025.
Setting up the site compound and environmental controls - October 2025
Installing access controls to prevent unauthorised access to Mount Jerrabomberra Reserve - October 2025
Excavating material to extend the retaining wall and placement the material near the entrance to allow better construction access - October 2025
Smaller reservoir has now been demolished - October 2025

Upcoming work

Works will recommence on 5 January 2026.
A large number of semi-trailers will deliver pipes, reinforcement and steelwork throughout January and February.
Construction of a retaining wall and earthworks will occur in January and the first concrete pour is expected to occur in February.
Minor trimming of vegetation along the access road will occur soon to allow access to the site.
Design of the new reservoir and retaining wall has continued.
Earthwork for the new tank has commenced.