The contract for the design and construction of a four-megalitre reservoir to be built off Apex Road, alongside the existing reservoir in Bottlebrush Park, has been awarded to Hornicks Constructions.

The 36-week project is expected to begin in the new year.

The new reservoir is required to address current water security issues and to cater for the predicted population growth in Gunnedah.

The $2.5 million project – fully funded by Gunnedah Shire Council (GSC) –  involves the construction of a concrete reservoir, which will be about 27.5 metres in diameter and eight-metres-high. 

The reservoir has been designed to have the same roof level as the existing reservoir and will incorporate aesthetic improvements, including white roof sheeting to reduce glare to surrounding residences.

“The reservoir has been designed to minimise the overall impact on local residents, including obstruction to their views,” GSC chief engineer Daniel Noble said.

“As a result, significant earthworks are needed to accommodate the new reservoir.

“This will require the excavation and removal of approximately 2300 cubic metres of rock.”

The project has been in the works since a 2011 report identified issues with Gunnedah’s water storage capacity.

“Since the planning stages, significant work has been undertaken for this project, including land acquisition and consultation with the local Aboriginal community,” Mr Noble said.

“As a result of this consultation, council has discussed providing a symbol of recognition at the site of the traditional owners of the land.”

Hornick Constructions, a privately-owned Queensland company specialising in industrial, civil and commercial construction, received a letter of acceptance on Tuesday this week. 

“We tendered this project a number of years ago … So it’s good to have the job now,” Hornick Constructions manager Adam Horwick said.

“We’ll be bringing out our core staff, but also relying on contractors as well, and also look to employ some full-time locals as well to bolster the crew.”

Mr Hornick expects preliminary works to start in the new year.

“We’re one of the biggest makers of concrete water reservoirs in Australia,” he said.

“It’s what we do. We’re looking forward to getting to Gunnedah and immersing ourselves in the community.”

Mr Noble said Gunnedah currently has insufficient water storage capacity, resulting in vulnerability to emergency water supply issues.

“This issue is anticipated to be exacerbated by population growth in the shire and by 2030 it is projected to result in significant shortfalls in reservoir capacity,” he said.

“GSC has identified that additional reservoir storage is required for the potable water supply system.

“The 4ML reservoir would have similar operating levels to that of the existing reservoir and modelling has indicated that existing hydraulic conditions are suitable for operation of the reservoir.”

Works are planned to start in February.

Works are expected to be undertaken between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday, and between 8am and 1pm on Saturdays.