Replacing the current Dungowan Dam with a new, larger dam would improve water availability and security in the Peel Valley.
Transition to Water Infrastructure NSW
As of 1 July 2021, responsibility for the proposed Dungowan Dam project transitioned from WaterNSW to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Water Infrastructure NSW, which is a Division of the Water Group.
For project continuity, key project staff have also moved across and previous WaterNSW project specific contact points (i.e. email and phone numbers) are being forwarded.
- Early EIS community consultation webinars continue on September 6. This month we focus on contamination and soils, waste and land use.
- Quarterly newsletter available online with project update.
Background
The NSW Government has released a 20-year infrastructure options study for rural river valleys which addresses future challenges in operating regulated river systems. The objective of the study was to guide water infrastructure investment by all levels of government.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian have announced a jointly funded package of around $1.1 billion for the planning and delivery of three new or augmented dams in NSW. This includes the replacement of the existing Dungowan Dam near Tamworth.
The Peel Valley supports Tamworth and other smaller townships, as well as irrigated agriculture and industry.
The principle objective of the Dungowan Dam project is to secure the long-term water supply security for the regional city of Tamworth. Further, the project will enable future population growth for Tamworth, which together with an already-augmented Chaffey Dam will maintain a productive level of general security reliability and water use for irrigation. Over time, this objective is expected to underpin water affordability that will support broader agricultural productivity benefits for the region.
- a new proposed dam approximately 3.5km downstream of the existing Dungowan Dam
- a new proposed 55km pipeline from the new Dungowan Dam to the Calala Water Treatment Plant
- increased town water supply
- improved general security reliability and delivery efficiencies
- increased supply for agriculture
- supporting Peel drought work
- replacing ageing infrastructure
- maximising local opportunities from the construction of the project.
Location map
Estimated project timeline
- October 2019 - Commenced project planning
- January 2020 - Initiated environmental assessment
- March 2020 - Commence detailed investigations and design
- October 2020 - Commence early works
- Late 2021 - Complete final business case
- Late 2021 - Exhibition of Environmental Impact Assessment
- Late 2021 - Commence construction. Construction is expected to take four years dependent on design
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
- Dungowan Dam Community Webinar Presentation – September 2021 (PDF, 2.0 MB)
- Dungowan Dam Community Webinar Presentation – August 2021 (PDF, 2.2 MB)
- Dungowan Dam Community Dashboard – September 2021 (PDF, 600.9 KB)
- Dungowan Dam Community Update – August/September 2021 (PDF, 12.7 MB)
- Dungowan Dam FAQs - August 2021 (PDF, 130.6 KB)
View a full list of project updates.
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 Dungowan Dam and Pipeline project.
Environmental Impact Statement
Water Infrastructure NSW is developing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as we seek approval to construct the project from the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and the Australian Minister for the Environment.
The EIS will assess the economic, environmental, and social impacts of the proposed Dungowan Dam and Pipeline and identify measures to mitigate these impacts.
A comprehensive range of environmental, technical and heritage studies is underway for the EIS, which will go on public display in 2021.
Social impact assessment
The EIS process includes a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) to address the potential social impacts and benefits of the project to the local area, the region and the state. The SIA survey is now closed, thank you to everyone who participated.
View more information about the Social Impact Assessment and EIS (PDF, 176.65 KB).
To speak with the project team, phone 1800 318 045 or email dungowandamproject@dpie.nsw.gov.au
To receive project updates, please email your details to dungowandamproject@dpie.nsw.gov.au
Facebook users can also join the Water Infrastructure NSW Dungowan Dam project community group.
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.
Related publications
- 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)