Public access downstream of Burrendong restricted

18 October 2011

State Water has announced that it will be restricting public access immediately downstream of Burrendong Dam for public safety and security purposes.

In response to vandalism and on public safety advice from NSW Police, the road used to access areas immediately downstream of the dam will be secured after 4pm weekdays and all day on weekends.

Manager Maintenance and Services, Glenn Baker said the vandalism downstream of the dam and unauthorised access have become a growing problem.

“Security fencing has been cut repeatedly, presumably by fishermen seeking access to secluded spots, while there have also been instances of people fishing from atop the training walls near the dam’s outlet, a potentially fatal practice,” Mr Baker said.

Public vehicular access has been restricted to the road atop the dam wall since March 2010 to allow for the dam safety upgrade project, and will continue to be so.

This is due to the narrowing of the wall road as a result of the upgrade, and to bring the dam into line with other structures managed by State Water with regard to the security of the structure and workplace safety requirements for employees servicing the dam.

Pedestrian access across the dam wall via the road will be maintained. Recreational activites at Lake Burrendong State Park will not be affected.

-ENDS-
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