Long-term future secured for Bells Bay Campground

Under the agreement, management of the campground and associated amenities will remain with the Kyogle Fishing Club for the long term, with a licence providing certainty for at least the next 10 years.

This follows months of work to reach agreement between the parties on a program of improvement, maintenance and rectification works to ensure ongoing safety of the site.

In addition, WaterNSW and Kyogle Council have agreed to work together on two projects in the precinct:

• Kyogle Council has committed to upgrade the access road to Bells Bay at Toonumbar Dam when external funding becomes available.
• Council also has agreed, subject to approvals and external funding, to work with WaterNSW to remove the old Toonumbar Retreat buildings, restore parts of the site and create two new areas for day visitors.

WaterNSW CEO Andrew George said keeping the area in community hands was a “great outcome” that will ensure it remains a key drawcard for fishermen, campers and visitors into the foreseeable future.

“I would like to thank the fishing club, Janelle Saffin and her staff, and Kyogle council for their considerable assistance in securing this outcome, which is favourable to all parties including local recreational users and visitors drawn to this beautiful area,” he said.

“The agreement balances WaterNSW's responsibility to ensure community safety with the strong local desire to keep the campground operating under community management."

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP said she was delighted to have helped secure the long-term future for Bells Bay Campground for the community.

“This is a place that means a great deal to local families, campers, fishers and visitors, and I have worked closely with Kyogle Fishing Club, WaterNSW and Kyogle Council towards achieving this outcome.

“I acknowledge the hard work of Kyogle Fishing Club President Barry Reeves and Secretary Glen Gibbs, supported by Treasurer Mark Hughes and Public Officer Jan Langfield.

“I will continue to support the club’s volunteer committee and its 80 members as they manage this popular community asset for generations to come.”

Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland OAM welcomed the agreement, saying it was good news for the community and visitors who regularly use Bells Bay and Toonumbar Dam.

“This agreement is a really positive step forward, and gives us a pathway to keep Bells Bay and Toonumbar Dam open to the community, and deliver necessary upgrades when grant funding is secured,” Cr Mulholland said.

“Toonumbar Dam is an incredible asset for the people of NSW and Council is very much aware how much it means to the local community. For generations, people have been going to Toonumbar Dam to fish, go boating, camp, and generally enjoy the outdoors, and Council understands the strong desire to keep it open to everyone.

“Council is committed to doing everything we can to advocate for funding and to work with WaterNSW to ensure Bells Bay and Toonumbar Dam remains safe and accessible for the community without burdening local ratepayers.”

Kyogle Fishing Club President Barry Reeves said: “We’re pleased to have reached an agreement that provides certainty for the future, recognising the enormous contribution of Kyogle Fishing Club volunteers who have cared for and promoted Bells Bay for more than 50 years.”