Hunter North West Dumaresq Dam Reserve Redevelopment
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Background
Known for its natural beauty and abundance of native flora and fauna, Dumaresq Dam Reserve is a popular spot for locals and tourists to engage in recreational activities like fishing, birdwatching, biking, camping and bushwalking.
With the number of visitors to Dumaresq Dam Reserve steadily increasing over the decades, visitation began to outgrow the capacity of on-site facilities by the early 2000s.
In 2014, Armidale Regional Council made the difficult decision to close the grounds to campers while they considered options to develop the site. In 2018, the site’s redevelopment as an eco-tourism precinct was proposed, positioning Armidale as visitor destination for regional NSW.
Our role
NSW Public Works provided project management and contract administration services for the redevelopment of Dumaresq Dam Reserve. This included engagement and management of the design consultants, management of the tender process and award, and oversight of all construction, road and environmental works.
Key facts
- Funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Government.
- Covering an area of 232 hectares, Dumaresq Dam Reserve has been a popular recreation spot locally for over 100 years.
- There were 1,608 plantings at the reserve as part of the project’s landscaping works.
Outcomes
A range of facilities will be available for use by locals and tourists, including:
- a camping area with space for tents and caravans
- a jetty to provide easy access for recreational fishing and swimming
- a beach facility consisting of a low beach wall along the dam foreshore
- a new boat ramp
- a contemporary amenities block
- pathways and interpretive signage along the popular walking track
- a playground, picnic shelters and barbecue facilities
- internal roads and parking areas.
In December 2023, several parts of the Dumaresq Dam Reserve were reopened, enabling residents and visitors to enjoy various recreational pursuits over the holiday period.
