Avon Dam welcomes back visitors after four years of closure - Minister Phillip Costa MP - 28 November 2009
NSW Minister for Water and Member for Wollondilly, Phil Costa, today welcomed picnicking families back to Avon Dam, reopening its gates after a four year upgrade.
Mr Costa said the dam has been closed since 2005 to undergo a $9.6 million upgrade to allow access to deep water during prolonged droughts and for important environmental flow works.
“The deep storage works at Avon Dam and the nearby Nepean Dam were a very important part of the NSW Government’s drought response and have allowed us to access more water when we most need it,” Mr Costa said.
“As part of the upgrade program, major works were also undertaken to allow for the release of variable environmental flows from the dam for the first time, an important initiative for downstream river health.
“These important works demonstrate our firm commitment to providing a secure water supply and improving river health.
“I’m very pleased to announce Avon Dam is reopened for the community to enjoy in time for the Christmas holidays.
“Families returning can take advantage of the $65,000 upgrade to recreation facilities including free electric barbeques.
“The picnic grounds and the rest of the precinct were closed to ensure public safety while the works were under way.
“Although access to the nearby Nepean Dam remained available during Avon Dam’s closure, community interest in Avon Dam remained high.
“I am sure that many Wollondilly families, and those across Sydney and the Illawarra, will welcome the chance to visit this beautiful dam again,” he concluded.
Avon Dam is reopened to the public from Saturday 28 November and provides picnic facilities and free electric barbeques. Opening hours are 10am-5pm daily and 10am-7pm on weekends and public holidays during Daylight Saving Time.
The dam supplies water to the Illawarra region and is located near Bargo. Built in 1927, it was designed with Egyptian styled architecture that was popular at the time of its construction.
