Upper Teddington Dam Safety Project
Project status
Parks Victoria is working with key stakeholders including Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water to investigate and develop plans to ensure Upper Teddington Dam meets current safety standards.
A risk assessment to determine the operational relationship between the lower and upper reservoirs is underway and is due to be completed in late 2026. This will provide input into planning for upgrades to Upper Teddington Dam which is being retained as a community asset and water reservoir. The dam is not being decommissioned.
In late 2026, Parks Victoria will begin removing vegetation and weeds from the reservoir to reduce the occurrence of ‘blackwater’ events.
All regrowth vegetation excluding weeds will be mulched and re-used at the upgrade of the existing Kara Kara National Park campground adjoining the reservoir and at other location within the National Park. The camp upgrade project is being delivered by Djaara.
Parks Victoria has consulted with Department of Energy, Environment Climate Action (DEECA) Biodiversity and no threatened species have been recorded in the works area.
For more information, read the latest community update.
Last updated: October 2026
Project background
Upper Teddington Dam is in the Kara Kara National Park on Dja Dja Wurrung Country, situated upstream from Lower Teddington Dam. The upper reservoir is over 130 years old and was originally designed to supply water to the town of St Arnaud.
Engineers undertook risk assessments of the Upper Teddington Dam and found it posed a long-term safety risk to the community due to ageing infrastructure.
Parks Victoria is working with Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water to investigate options to improve safety.
Staying updated
This page will be updated throughout the project.
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FAQS
What will the upgrades look like?
The upgrades are not yet determined. They will depend on a range of factors, including the outcome of risk assessments.
Why and when is regrowth vegetation being removed?
Regrowth vegetation and weed removal are being undertaken from Upper Teddington Dam to reduce the impact of ‘blackwater’ events.
Works will be limited to the reservoir basin (below high-water mark) and immediate infrastructure areas. Trees and shrubs that are removed will be mulched and/or repurposed within Kara Kara National Park. No chemicals will be used.
Subject to weather and permits and approvals, work is scheduled to begin later in 2026 and is expected take approximately one month.
The immediate work site will be closed to the public while work is underway. Other areas of Kara Kara National Park will remain open. Please refer to Parks Victoria’s website for park conditions at: insert link
What environmental and cultural heritage management is being undertaken?
Comprehensive planning, environmental and heritage assessments have been undertaken as part of the project. Works will be undertaken in accordance with a Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) to reduce impacts. There will be no ground disturbance, and cultural sites will be protected.
Will the project impact water supply to the community?
No. The project will not impact clean water supply to the community. Any questions regarding water supply should be directed to Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water.