Joint media release: Greater water security for Darwin as Manton Dam project progresses
Luke Gosling MP, Special Envoy for Defence, Veteran's Affairs and Northern Australia, Member for Solomon
Marion Scrymgour MP, Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Member for Lingiari
The Hon Steve Edgington MLA, NT Minister for Essential Services
Significant progress has been made on the $189 million project to return the Northern Territory’s Manton Dam to service, delivering greater water security to the Darwin region.
The project, jointly funded by the Australian and NT Governments, is now well over halfway completed, and is supporting more than 130 local jobs while increasing patronage at local businesses, including electrical and concreting providers.
Key achievements to date:
- Manton Dam intake tower refurbishment: 90% complete
- Rising main from Manton to Strauss: 90% complete
- Strauss water treatment plant: 40% complete, with steel portal structure erected and concrete structures under construction
- Pump station building: 80% complete.
Returning Manton Dam to service is expected to be complete by mid-2026.
Once returned to service, Manton Dam will provide an additional 7,300 megalitres of water annually to the Darwin region. This increased capacity will meet forecasted demand, enhance water security and support future economic growth in the region.
Since upgrades began in May 2024 the contractor, Exact Contracting, has completed 20 km of new pipeline and major infrastructure refurbishment works.
The Australian company, established in Alice Springs, also remains committed to local employment, with more than 70 percent of personnel working on the project being local to the region.
Manton Dam remains open as a valued recreational resource, with stringent water treatment measures implemented at the newly constructed Strauss water treatment plant to ensure the highest water quality standards.
The $327.6 million Darwin Region Water Supply Program Stage 1 is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($300.6 million) and the Northern Territory Government ($27 million).
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling:
“It’s very exciting to see this project coming to fruition. It will deliver safe and reliable drinking water for people, while ensuring Manton Dam remains accessible for recreational use.
“Darwin’s water demand is expected to double by 2050, so this work will ensure our community can grow and develop with confidence.
“The Albanese Government has invested $300.6 million in Stage 1 of the Darwin Region Water Supply Program, with additional funding from the Territory Government, to support local water security for the future.”
Quotes attributable to NT Minister for Essential Services, Steve Edgington:
“Returning Manton Dam to service as a secure and reliable drinking water source for the Darwin region by 2026 is a key deliverable for our government.
“This project not only enhances water security but employs locals and uses local contractors, supporting future economic growth in the region and restoring the Territory lifestyle.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
“It’s great to see good job opportunities, and money being spent locally as part of this significant project.
“In the past 12 months, we’ve seen lots of progress on returning Manton Dam to service, and it will be great to see this project finished and delivering for the NT.”
Quotes attributable to Power and Water Executive General Manager Water Services, Stephen Vlahovic:
“This is another important milestone for this major project, which will help secure the future of the Darwin region’s water supply.
“Supporting the Territory lifestyle for our customers through a secure and reliable water supply is a key deliverable for us. We’re passionate about this project, as is the contractor, and this shines through in the progress being made."
Exact Contracting Business Development and Technical Services Manager, Shaun Matschoss:
“The collaboration and dedication of all involved has seen great progress on this complex project.
“That includes a large local workforce, as we know employing locals and using local contractors where possible is important to the Territory economy and the community.”