Lake Hamilton Spillway Rectification Works to Commence
Published on 13 November 2025
Southern Grampians Shire Council will complete maintenance works and install survey equipment to improve safety of the Lake Hamilton Spillway.
Council will establish a monitoring system and undertake surveys to identify movement over the past six years within the immediate area of the spillway. In addition, grouting of the spillway and reed removal works will be undertaken.
These works are a result of Council resolving to allocate $75,000 for the project at last night’s ordinary Council meeting.
These works will include the establishment of a comprehensive monitoring system, CCTV inspection to survey underground services near the spillway and to report any changes, as well as fixing identified cracked joints and gaps, and the clearing of impacting reeds.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said these works are vital to improve the safety of this important community asset.
“The construction of Lake Hamilton was completed back in 1977 and since that time, Council has undertaken or commissioned a number of assessments and technical reports that have identified areas needing rectification and ongoing maintenance works,” said Cr Heslin.
“The most recent Spillway assessment report completed in 2022, noted several minor items of concern which have been addressed such as potential piping (leaks) under the embankment and minor cracks in the concrete spillway.
“Most of these items were investigated and closed out, however, the report included two items of significant concern relating to checking the spillway capacity, and the pipeline age and condition through the embankment.
“Council will now install survey systems which will inform Council on the integrity of the spillway and future works or actions to be undertaken. The findings of these reports will be the source of a business case to be submitted in future years to address any subsequent stages of intrusive assessment and investigative works.”
An emergency management plan for Lake Hamilton is currently in development and will be formed in partnership with relevant local stakeholder organisations.
Once completed, the Lake Hamilton Emergency Management Plan will be provided to the Municipal Emergency Planning Committee for review.
Data collected through the CCTV monitoring system will further inform staged actions which will determine future budget allocations and/or identified external funding opportunities.
“Ensuring our ageing infrastructure is well maintained and frequently assessed contributes to the overall safety and reduced risk for those residents located around the Lake,” concluded Cr Heslin.
Council will keep residents informed on the upcoming works.