COPETON PARK FACILITIES RETAINED FOR CHRISTMAS

December 2010

Existing recreational facilities at the Copeton Waters State Park will remain available for use over the Christmas/New Year period.

New facilities were scheduled to be ready before Christmas but the ongoing rain has delayed the relocation process.

State Water site coordinator Duncan Wilson said State Water and the Copeton Waters State Park Trust are working together with contractor Thomas & Coffey Pty Ltd to relocate the recreation park to make way for the new spillway.

“The relocation had been progressing really well but unfortunately the finishing touches won’t be completed until early next year,” Mr Wilson said.

“There will be a new Northcott Centre with a big deck overlooking the new water spray park as well as picnic tables and electric barbeques installed as part of the relocation.”

Up to 40 local jobs are expected to be supported by the dam safety upgrade project which will bring the structure into line with modern standards for extreme flooding.

“The safety upgrade will involve building a 250 metre-long, 11 metre-deep, fusible plug spillway at Diamond Bay to ensure Copeton can withstand an extreme flood event.”

Tenders for the upgrade works have closed, with construction works expected to commence early in 2011.

The storage level will not be affected by the upgrade.

A temporary diversion road will also be created to maintain access along Fossickers Way while the permanent road across the new spillway is constructed.

Copeton is one of seven dams throughout regional NSW operated by State Water undergoing upgrades worth more than $300 million.

Stage one of construction is expected to be completed by 2012.

-ENDS-

Media enquiries and interviews:
Jane Urquhart (02) 6841 2087 or 0429 449 711