In brief
The Manton Dam Return to Service project, one of the Northern Territory's biggest water works in the last 50 years, is now in the commissioning stage. The 174 million Australian‑dollar investment – costing 15 million Australian dollars less than budgeted – will add 7,300 megalitres of water yearly to Darwin’s supply. Construction employed 111 workers and 500 contractors over two years, helping the local economy.
The Northern Territory’s Manton Dam Return to Service project has entered its commissioning stage, officially moving toward completion by the end of 2026.
At a cost of about 174 million Australian dollars—roughly 114 million U.S. dollars—the project comes in 15 million Australian dollars under budget, according to a government statement released on Friday. The investment includes modernising an existing reservoir intake tower, building the new Strauss Water Treatment Plant, installing a new pump station and laying 22 kilometers of pipeline.
Once the plant is operational, the dam will deliver an extra 7,300 megalitres of water annually to Darwin, strengthening water security for the capital and surrounding communities.
Over the past two years, the scheme has employed more than 111 employees and 500 contractors, providing economic benefits to local businesses.
The project forms the first stage of the Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program, which is jointly funded by the Australian federal government and the Northern Territory government.