The recreation area at Dumaresq Dam will be closed for 6 months while it undergoes a dramatic transformation to a modern tourist area.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland turned the first ceremonial sods of soil yesterday to formally commence construction work of the $3.9 million Dumaresq Dam Recreation Area redevelopment.
Mr Marshall said that with the redevelopment underway, Dumaresq Dam was now poised to become the region’s next big tourist drawcard.
“Dumaresq Dam is a picturesque location offering stunning bush walks and is a perfect place for families to paddle safely on the water or to wet a line,” Mr Marshall said.
“It’s been one of the region’s best kept secrets, with so much tourist potential, right on the Armidale’s doorstep.
Local contractor JNC Group Indigenous Contractors is doing the redevelopment work, which includes a new contemporary amenities block, picnic shelters and barbecue facilities, bitumen internal roads, camping and parking areas as well as long bay parking near the upgraded boat ramp.
There will also be unpowered motorhome parking, landscaping and new pathways, a new low beach wall along the dam foreshore, and a new jetty for easy access to recreational fishing and swimming. For bird and wildlife lovers, there will be a bird hide and additional boardwalks as well as interpretive signage across the popular walking track.
“It will be the perfect spot for families to get away for the weekend and for tourist to pull in off the busy New England Highway for some respite, among stunning surrounds,” Mr Marshall said.
“Council is hoping to attract close to an extra 30,000 visitors each year as a result of the redevelopment.”
Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland said the marked an important milestone for the Dumaresq Dam reserve and for the region, and they expected to attract 30,000 visitors each year to the new facilities.
“Council has worked hard to develop a strategy that will drive jobs and growth and put our region on the map as a destination that is on the move and open for business,” Cr Coupland said.
“An important part of that strategy is providing world class amenities and attractions like the Dumaresq Dam Reserve that supports growth and provides an enticing proposition for families considering a move to regional NSW and to visitors to our region.”
Top image: Turning the first ceremonial sods of soil today to formally commence work on the $3.9 million redevelopment of the Dumaresq Dam Recreation Area today, Northern Tablelands MP Adam marshall, left, Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland, Councillors Margaret O’Connor, Paul Packham, Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood and Paul Gaddes.
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