One week left for the new Dungowan Dam EIS
Tamworth and the Peel Valley have one more week to have their say on the New Dungowan Dam and Pipeline Environmental Impact Statement.
Acting CEO of Water Infrastructure NSW Ingrid Emery said it will be the last opportunity for First Nations People, residents, businesses, farmers, and water user groups to share their feedback on this once-in-a-generation water infrastructure project before the EIS process closes on Wednesday 7 December.
“It is the largest water infrastructure project in the state, which is why we have given the community six weeks to review the EIS and lodge submissions,” Ms Emery said.
“Major projects like this take time and it is important that we get the details and scope of the project right from the outset to deliver maximum benefits for everyone across the region.
“Meaningful feedback plays a vital role in helping us shape the final elements of the project. We know the community wants to get involved which is why consultation processes are an integral part of the planning and decision-making process.
“Getting diverse perspectives from a range of people really helps us identify and address any issues or concerns at the grassroots level before we move onto the next stage of the project, which is why I urge residents to contribute.”
The NSW Government is working towards replacing the current 6.3 GL Dungowan Dam with a new 22.5 GL dam 3-4 kilometres downstream. This is the preferred option because it is the only one that creates additional town water supply while maintaining water supply reliability for the region’s $2.5 billion agricultural industry, as well as increasing water security and drought resilience for Tamworth and the Peel Valley.
It also includes a new 55km underground pipeline with Stage 1, from the Calala Water Treatment Plant to the Dungowan Showgrounds, already underway with 10km out of 21km already finished. Stage 2, which is dependent on the dam being built, will connect the showground to the new dam via another 34km of pipeline.
So far, the Dungowan team have held 70 community events with over 1300 attendees, 110 plus stakeholder briefings and more than 420 landholder meetings. Last week project officers met with key stakeholders and residents as part of the EIS exhibition.
Once the EIS closes, it will take several months to review public submissions and address people’s feedback. A submissions report will be published next year.
Regular community engagement will continue in 2023. Subject to planning approval, construction of the dam and stage two of the pipeline is expected to start in 2024.
