nd nesting holes—helping marsupials, birds and bats living and nesting in the area transition after construction.
Finally, water flows were altered by the dam’s construction and operation. A permanent structural upstream and downstream fishway was incorporated into the dam structure to facilitate the natural migration of fish and recreate natural conditions. To ensure the effectiveness of these environmental efforts, they will be measured and assessed for the next 25 years.
Supporting Sustainable Growth
The Wyaralong Dam project created nearly 700 jobs during construction, including work in trail building and environmental rehabilitation. Meanwhile, the project team contracted with more than 300 local businesses that provided services, materials and supplies for the project.
The dam’s recreational trails project, which included 25 km of mountain bike trails and more than 40 km of horse and walking trails, was the largest in Queensland in recent years. Construction of the trails employed several hundred people through government organizations like the Green Army, a program that trains local and indigenous workers to perform skilled work. On this project, 90 percent of trainees were placed in jobs—and most have maintained their employment as a result.
Meanwhile, the new recreational areas have already had a significant, positive effect on tourism to the area. And popular events, like the national mountain bike championships held at Mt. Joyce Escape Recreation Park in 2011, will continue to draw visitors.