The proposed New Dungowan Dam and Pipeline Project will diversify water sources, increase town water security for Tamworth and maintain the reliability of water for agriculture across the Peel Valley as Tamworth grows.
We continue to progress the New Dungowan Dam and Pipeline Project as approved by government. Stage one of the pipeline is currently at 70 per cent completion.
In the weeks leading up to the NSW election there are special arrangements in place to ensure the neutrality of the public service.
From January 26 until March 25 2023, our primary source of communications will be via our website. Our regular electronic newsletters will cease during this period.
For any enquiries, contact us by email: dungowandamproject@dpie.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 318 045 during business hours.
Sign up for regular email updates or check out the project updates and resources page.
Environmental Impact Statement
The Environmental Impact Statement (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. This was to allow community members and stakeholders to have their say on the reports prior to public exhibition..
Between 26 October and 9 December 2022, the EIS was on formal exhibition, giving stakeholders and the community an opportunity to have their say. The EIS is now closed, and the NSW Government will spend the next few months reviewing every submission carefully before finalising the EIS process.
Project background
In 2019 the former Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the planning and delivery of three new or augmented dams in regional NSW. This included replacing the existing Dungowan Dam near Tamworth and building a new 55 kilometre pipeline in two stages, connecting the Calala Water Treatment Plant to the new dam.
The New Dungowan Dam and Pipeline benefits are three-fold. The proposed New Dungowan Dam and Pipeline Project will diversify water sources, increase town water security for Tamworth and maintain the reliability of water for agriculture across the Peel Valley as Tamworth grows.
The project will support population growth for Tamworth, stimulate the local economy, generate new investment opportunities for the region, and help protect the region’s $2.5 billion agricultural industry.
- Diversify water sources
- 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 to replace the existing 70-year-old infrastructure
- Maximising local job opportunities, injecting millions of dollars into the local economy and unlocking new investment opportunities for the region
Location map
Timeline
- February 2022 – Stage one of the new pipeline begins connecting the Calala Water Treatment Plant to the Dungowan Showgrounds
- March 2022 – Final Business Case approved by the NSW Government.
- August 2022 – Publication of the Dungowan Dam Summary Business Case.
- December 2022 – Environmental Impact Statement public exhibition closed.
- December 2022 – The NSW Government begins reviewing public submissions received during the EIS exhibition. This will take several months to complete.
- Mid-2023 – Stage one of the new pipeline will be complete.
- Subject to planning approval, construction of the new dam and second stage of the pipeline to begin in 2024.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Read the answers to your frequently asked questions.
Local business register
So far, we have more than 320local businesses registered 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 a local business is defined as 150km from the project area.
Please note, registering your interest does not guarantee employment.
We are always happy to answer any questions about the project. To speak with the project team, phone 1800 318 045 or email dungowandamproject@dpie.nsw.gov.au
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Facebook users can also join the Water Infrastructure NSW Dungowan Dam project Facebook page.
Related publications
- Review of Environmental Factors for Stage One of the new Dungowan pipeline
- 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)