Cowarra Dam milestone highlights need for expansion

PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council is celebrating two decades since the opening of Cowarra Dam – a critical source of the region’s water supply.

Council staff and guests gathered at the site in the Cowarra State Forest earlier this week to mark the occasion.

Officially opened on October 14 2005, the 10,000 megalitre off-creek dam took 20 years of planning and community consultation.

“The Cowarra Dam stands as a testament to forward-thinking water management,” Mayor Adam Roberts said.

“Twenty years ago, our community invested in critical infrastructure that has delivered water security through periods of drought and supported our region’s growth.

“We’re building on that legacy with even more ambitious plans to deliver a new water treatment plant at Cowarra in a bid to secure water supply for more than 125,000 people across Port Macquarie, Wauchope, and Camden Haven for at least the next 30-40 years.”

This State Significant Infrastructure project is currently under environmental review.

If approved and constructed, it will meet the demands of the tens of thousands of new homes to be delivered by 2041 as outlined in the NSW North Coast Regional Plan.

The milestone celebration coincides with National Water Week.

“Not only is the 20-year anniversary of Cowarra Dam an opportunity to look back at what we’ve achieved and where we are heading, but it is also an opportunity to recognise the importance that everyone plays in practicing proper water saving measures, no matter the season.”

A key feature of the project was the strong cultural partnership with the Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Council, which resulted in 20 carved and decorated sculptural poles and mosaic panels installed on site to honour the significance of the land.

The award-winning art works which still stand today, earned Council the 2005 Local Government Supervisors Association NSW Cultural Award.