Re-building the dam wall will start at the end of May with the appointment of Entracon Civil to undertake the project.

Parks Victoria general manager regional services Chris Rose said the project tender attracted significant interest with nine contractors vying to undertake the vital regional upgrade.

PV held a community meeting last month to inform the public of the works. Mr Rose said most of the questions raised were around time frames and impact on the nearby community, “but most importantly reassurance from Parks Victoria that walking, canoeing and swimming activities would return along with the current visitors car park”.

“People realised work needed to be done and were also concerned with management of fish stocks whilst the lake was being drained,” he said. 

Park Victoria acting regional director, west region, Peter Livitsanis said building the new wall would remove the risk of the aged wall failing during heavy storms and safeguard the Creswick community against dam failure in an extreme  storm event.

“The design of the dam wall and its spillways will reduce the volume of water held by the lake, therefore improving safety during high rainfall and flood occasions,” he said.

The work is due to be completed early next year, requiring the lake to be drained to allow contractors to build the lower dam crest and primary and secondary spillways safely.

Mr Livitsanis apologised for any inconvenience during the work.

“PV will keep the community posted as the project progresses. Should anyone have any questions, call into the Creswick office or visit the website.”