Lake Lyell Hydro has engaged GHD to undertake the next phase of geotechnical (borehole) investigations for the Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Project. The investigations will provide important information about ground conditions and help inform the project's ongoing design and planning.
Where will the works take place?
The investigation sites will be accessed from the following locations:
- Mount Walker Road via Oakey Forrest and Girraween Drive, Marangaroo.
- A Barge that will access the Cox’s River arm from the bottom of Bloody Cutting Road, Rydal and take workers, plant and equipment to the Farmers Creek arm of Lake Lyell.
Signage will be installed to notify visitors and road users. There may be some temporary traffic management to allow movement of heavy vehicles when entering and leaving the site. Public access to Lake Lyell from Bloody Cutting Road will be temporarily suspended while the work is taking place.
When will the works occur?
Investigation activities are expected to take place between 17 August and mid December 2026. Timings may change depending on weather, site conditions and work progress.
Working hours:
- Monday to Sunday from 6:00am to 6:00pm
What work is being undertaken?
The investigation program includes:
- Preparation of drilling locations
- Drilling and coring of six boreholes
- Geological and geotechnical testing
- Installation of groundwater monitoring equipment at selected locations
- Collection and laboratory testing of soil and rock samples
- Minor earthworks and maintenance of access tracks.
What vehicles and equipment will be used?
You may see a range of construction plant, vehicles and watercraft associated with the investigation works, including:
- Drilling rigs
- Barge and support boat
- Excavators
- Mobile crane
- All-terrain loaders
- Tipper trucks
- Vacuum trucks
- Water tankers
- Four-wheel drives and utility vehicles
- Shipping containers and waste bins.
What impacts might I notice?
Traffic
Residents may notice construction traffic on the following roads:
- Oakey Forest Road, Marrangaroo
- Girraween Drive, Marrangaroo
- Bloody Cutting Road (Old Western Road), Rydal
- Hampton Road, Rydal
- Magpie Hollow Road, South Bowenfels
- Mount Walker Road, South Bowenfels
Traffic volumes are expected to be highest at the beginning and end of the investigation program. Temporary traffic control measures may be required when large vehicles are entering, exiting or manoeuvring on public roads.
Access Restrictions
Access to the lakefront at the bottom of Bloody Cutting Road will be controlled during barge mobilisation and operations. Signage will be installed to notify visitors and road users.
Noise
Nearby residents and visitors may occasionally hear drilling activities, machinery and vehicle movements. While some noise is expected, works are not anticipated to be highly disruptive and will occur during approved daytime working hours only.
Stay informed
For more information, to ask a question or provide feedback, please contact the project team:
📞 Community Information Line (24 hours): 1800 574 947
✉️ Email: community@lakelyellpumpedhydro.com.au
🌐 Website: www.lakelyellpumpedhydro.com.au
🏢 Project HQ: 124 Main Street, Lithgow (Monday to Friday)