Horsham Dams - construction of 50 ML and 20 ML storage dams

⁠⁠⁠The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR), Agriculture Victoria Research (AVR) invites the Tenderer to submit a Tender for the Horsham Dams - construction of 50 ML and 20 ML storage dams and all associated earthworks at its Plant Breeding Centre Horsham located approximately 9 kilometres west of Horsham on the Wimmera Highway Vectris (36°44'16.3"S 142°06'28.4"E).

The Horsham SmartFarm at the Plant Breeding Centre has a unique water resource in the form of a guaranteed supply of treated wastewater (class C) from the Horsham township, that enables year-round growth of research crops. However, this existing on-farm 700ML storage dam wastewater is unsuitable for continued use without further treatment to reduce the level of salt and nutrients, as it is impacting on the farm soil quality and reducing the type of crops that can be grown for research. For example, lentil crops are salt sensitive and cannot be grown in irrigated paddocks, and the Grains Research and Development Corporation have funded AVR to undertake a 5 year lentil breeding program at our SmartFarm.

As a result, AVR are seeking to establish a freshwater irrigation capacity at the Horsham SmartFarm to meet expanding demand from grains research projects.

The scope of these works is to specifically seek a suitably qualified civil contractor to construct a 50 ML and a 20 ML storage dam and all associated earthworks. The construction services include:

1. Construction of one new 50 ML Turkey’s Nest Dam
2. Construction of one new 20 ML Turkey’s Nest Dam
3. Construction of raised earthen - pad and leadup ramps for vehicle access.
4. Supply and installation of all Bidim Fabric and Rock Beaching.
5. Supply and installation of all gravel for access tracks.

The works comprise stripping of topsoil at the new site, construction of earthworks for the storage dams, and excludes the installing and backfill of the pipework and construction of internal clay liner, as per drawings.