Regional Development Australia Far West (RDA Far West) seek opportunities that enhance the regions liveability, support the economic diversity and growth of the Far West NSW Region and create flow on benefits for our communities.
RDA Far West have developed a concept document to repurpose Umberumberka Reservoir to better cater for the communities needs and provide another attraction for our growing number of visitors.
The completion of the Wentworth to Broken Hill Pipeline created a perfect opportunity to investigate the repurposing of Umberumberka Reservoir.
Director of Regional Development, Michael Williams said “this is a very exciting project for the region and repurposing the reservoir would create some fantastic opportunities for our community”.
“The concept document includes opportunities for mountain biking, walking tracks, catch and release fishing, kayaking, bird watching, camping and developing a museum to ensure visitors have the opportunity to see the original steam pumping engines preserved at the site”.
“This project is significant in that it creates opportunities to support retention and attraction strategies to meet current and future workforce development needs, sport and recreation outcomes, conservation, photography, a managed film location and another perfect Far West location to be enjoyed with family and friends”, said Mr Williams
“RDA Far West will seek the expertise of local groups to ensure as plans are further developed the facility enhances and compliments the regions existing facilities. We want to ensure we are able to build on what the region already offers and create a range of activities that support existing infrastructure and create new opportunities”, said Mr Williams.
Mr Williams said “consultation with community groups would begin soon and encouraged anybody with suggestions, comments or ideas to email their comments to RDA Far West on staff@rdafarwestnsw.org.au”
RDA Far West Chair, Mr Dave Gallagher said “the concept was something the organisation has been working on for some time, projects of this nature create very real outcomes and significantly enhance the liveability of our region”.
Mr Gallagher said “the Committee are excited to drive a project of this nature and believe the project creates wide ranging outcomes for the region, including engagement, conservation and health and wellbeing”.
“Our Broken Hill community have long craved for the opportunity for a location close to town that could cater for kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards and recreational fishing”, said Mr Gallagher, “this project has the potential to deliver those opportunities and much more”.
Mr Gallagher said, “There are a number of dams that have been repurposed or duel purposed across the country that are now creating recreational playgrounds for their local communities and attracting additional visitors into their regions”.
RDA Far West recently presented their concept document to Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, who undertook a site visit last week.
“We already have visitors coming west to experience the wonders of the Broken Hill region – whether it’s exploring the city of Broken Hill, seeing the Mundi Mundi Plains, or checking out the many attractions in Silverton. It’s no secret that there’s a compelling list of reasons for tourists to visit,” Mr Coulton said.
“But we have an opportunity to build on that even more, which was very clear to see during my recent visit to Umberumberka Reservoir”.
“It makes perfect sense to highlight the incredible assets we have tucked away to further ramp up the region’s tourism offering, and once we get ahead of the virus, bring more visitors to the area, supporting local jobs and the local economy”, said Mr Coulton
“I commend RDA Far West on their foresight and I look forward to working with the organisation wherever I can as this project evolves.”
RDA Far West will now begin consultation with a number of community groups to further develop the concept and ensure the project is spade ready should funding become availabl
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