The proposed New Dungowan Dam and Pipeline Project will increase town water security for Tamworth and maintain the reliability of water for agriculture across the Peel Valley as Tamworth grows.
- The Environmental Impact Statement is on public exhibition from Wednesday, 26 October to Wednesday, 7 December.
- You can view the full report on the department’s website.
- You can view the digital EIS summary report online or download the EIS Summary report (PDF, 33944.36 KB).
- The Project team is hosting in-person and online community information sessions from Wednesday, 23 November to Wednesday, 30 November. RSVP to attend.
- Construction continues on Stage One of the New Dungowan Pipeline.
Environmental Impact Statement
Water Infrastructure NSW has developed an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as we seek approval to construct the New Dungowan Dam and Pipeline Project from the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and the Australian Minister for the Environment.
The EIS assesses the economic, environmental, and social impacts of the New Dungowan Dam and Pipeline Project and identifies measures to mitigate these impacts.
Engagement on the project and EIS began in January 2020 with webinars and community information sessions on the draft technical reports kicking off from June 2021 so community members and stakeholders could have their say on the reports prior to public exhibition.
The EIS is now on formal exhibition so community, government agencies and consent authorities can make informed submissions on the project.
Project background
In 2019 the then Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the then NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the planning and delivery of three new or augmented dams in NSW. This includes replacing the existing Dungowan Dam near Tamworth.
The New Dungowan Dam will increase town water security for Tamworth and maintain the reliability of water for agriculture across the Peel Valley as Tamworth grows. This will enable future population growth for Tamworth, and together with Chaffey Dam, will maintain the productive level of Peel Valley’s general security, reliability and water use. The dam is going ahead.
- Increase town water security for Tamworth
- Maintain reliability of water for agriculture in the Peel Valley
- A new dam approximately 3.5km downstream of the existing dam
- A new 55km pipeline from the New Dungowan Dam to the Calala Water Treatment Plant
- Replacing ageing infrastructure
- Maximising local opportunities from planning and construction of the project
Location map
Timeline
- August 2022 Publication of the Dungowan Dam Summary Business Case (PDF, 791.23 KB)
- 2022 Final Business Case approved
- 2022 Environment Impact Statement continues and will be on public exhibition before the end of the year
Note that project timelines can be affected by a range of factors including weather conditions, increased time to carry out consultation and where technical analysis and assessments require further work or investigation. Water Infrastructure NSW places the highest priority on the safety and wellbeing of its staff and the communities we work with. We are closely adhering to the current COVID-19 Public Health Orders which may have an impact on project activities and timelines. This website will be regularly updated to reflect this and communities will be notified of any changes.
Latest project updates and resources
Check out the latest updates and resources about the New Dungowan Dam and Pipeline Project, including:
Planning and delivery
For detailed project planning information please visit the NSW Government Planning portal.
View the Environmental Assessment Requirements (PDF, 234.56 KB)
Frequently Asked Questions
See answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the New Dungowan Dam and Pipeline Project.
Local business register
Water Infrastructure NSW is encouraging local businesses to register as a supplier for the new Dungowan Dam and pipeline project. The local business register will be provided to the major construction contractors so they can demonstrate how they will maximise local business and employment opportunities as part of the tender process.
For this project local business is defined as 150km from the project area.
Please note, registering your interest does not guarantee employment.
To speak with the project team, phone 1800 318 045 or email dungowandamproject@dpie.nsw.gov.au
To receive project updates via email, sign up.
Facebook users can also join the Water Infrastructure NSW Dungowan Dam project Facebook page.
Related publications
- Environmental Impact Statement Summary Report (PDF, 33.1 MB)
- Dungowan Dam Summary Business Case (PDF, 791.2 KB)
- Review of Environmental Factors for Stage One of the new Dungowan pipeline
- Social Impact Assessment and EIS (PDF, 176.6 KB)
- Dungowan Dam and Peel Valley - Feasibility Study (PDF, 1.6 MB)
- Construction Industry Briefing FAQs (PDF, 189.8 KB)
- Construction Industry Briefing - May 2020 (PDF, 3.2 MB)
- NSW Govt Media release - 31 March 2020 (PDF, 125.8 KB)
- Critical State Significant Infrastructure Dams - March 2020 (PDF, 342.5 KB)