As the $94 million upgrade to the Kangaroo Creek Dam continues, one of the original dam builders has returned as Site Supervisor.
To align with updated safety guidelines, the dam wall will be raised, and the spillway widened to enable the dam to withstand major flood events and earthquakes.
David Owen was 18 in 1968 and worked as a truck driver on the Kangaroo Creek Dam for the sub-contractor SA Sand and Metal.
Since then, he has worked for Adelaide company Tolmer Earth Movers as Plant Operator to Supervisor of Operations, and Bardavcol as a site manager.
Mr Owen said a lot has changed since he first worked on the site 50 years ago.
“Grading used to be done with batter boards and string lines, but today it’s all done with satellite surveys and GPS,” said Mr Owen.
“New technology has made us much more efficient and what would have taken a year, we can now do in three months.”
Mr Owen said safety has also significantly improved at the site.
“When I was young, the focus on safety was impressive, but now it’s paramount! There’s been great communications between Bardavcol, its sub-contractors and SA Water to ensure we’re all on board and working safely. It’s been excellent.”
“Fifty years ago there were no flashing lights, reversing beepers or guardrails, and the creature comforts for operators today are second to none,” he said.
Related stories: