Chaffey Dam Pipeline - Biodiversity offsets program

About

WaterNSW has delivered a program of biodiversity offsets along the Peel River, following the completion of the Chaffey Dam to Dungowan pipeline project in 2020. The program of work was delivered through the Commonwealth approved Biodiversity Offset Plan to mitigate impacts from the temporary operation of the pipeline. The program included the installation of 50 snags at key locations along the Peel River as well as seven fish-friendly, self-cleaning pump screens.

Completed in 2024, the snag installation program placed hardwood trees of varying lengths along a 50-kilometre section of river between Chaffey Dam and Tamworth. Each location was selected to provide maximum benefit to river species, protect riverbanks, reduce erosion and avoid impact to Aboriginal heritage. The snags were sourced from trees removed from the New England Solar project at Uralla. Murray Cod, Silver Perch, Platypus, Rakali and other aquatic biodiversity will all benefit from the offsets program.

View our factsheet to learn more about snags: What Are Snags? (PDF, 300.22 KB)

The second stage of the biodiversity offsets program included the installation of self-cleaning pump screens. Now installed, these fine-mesh screens operating at a low velocity protect native fish eggs and other aquatic species from being drawn in to the pumps. Specially designed to screen the inflowing water, whilst removing debris such as algae, the fine mesh screens selected see the removal of fish larvae and juvenile fish via the system minimised, positively impacting fish numbers.

The screens also improve the operation and maintenance of pumps and irrigation systems, reducing system cleaning, flushing and downtime for landholders. The self-cleaning function reduces maintenance requirements of the intake screen and the irrigation system - whenever the pumps are turned on, the intake screen is being cleaned.

Benefits

The delivery of the Biodiversity Offset Plan, including the installation of snags in the Peel River and self-cleaning pump screens, will:

improve the aquatic habitat for threatened fish and other species
improve biodiversity
protect native fish and other aquatic species from pump infrastructure.

Following the installation of snags and screens, WaterNSW will monitor for five years.

Schedule

2019 - Complete
Stage 1 Peel River Critical Drought Response (temporary Peel River weir).

2020 - Complete
Stage 2 Peel River Critical Drought Response (pipeline from Chaffey Dam to Dungowan).

2022-2023 - Complete
Undertake biodiversity offset investigation works for the installation of snags and self-cleaning pump screens.

2024 - Complete
Installation of snags at selected locations along the Peel River.

2026 - Complete
Installation of self-cleaning pump screens at selected locations.

May 2026 - 2031
Offsets monitoring to be undertaken for five years after the installation of snags and screens. The monitoring program includes collecting fish larvae samples, snag sampling for biofilm and macroinvertebrates and undertaking electrofishing (temporarily stunning fish to study them before releasing) to determine feeding and breeding habitat improvements for Murray Cod and Silver Perch.

Background

In June 2019, the NSW Government announced emergency short-term works to extend critical water supply to Tamworth, Moonbi, and Kootingal towns due to water shortages caused by drought. Works included the construction of a temporary weir on the Peel River and the construction of a 19-kilometre underground pipeline from Chaffey Dam to Dungowan, to reduce evaporation and ground infiltration of water when moving via the Peel River to Tamworth. Work was completed in 2020.

The pipeline operated temporarily in mid-2020, until drought conditions reduced. The operation of the pipeline was permitted by both State and Commonwealth approvals to respond to drought conditions. Approvals to temporarily operate the pipeline have expired, however a Biodiversity Offset Plan was developed as part of this work and implementation of the offsets is underway.

Consultation

WaterNSW continues to keep stakeholders informed, including:

Tamworth Regional Council
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
NSW Fisheries (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development)
Crown Lands
Local Land Services Northwest (NSW LLS), and
private landholders.

The Biodiversity Offset Plan was developed in consultation with the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (now known as the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water). All work has been in accordance with relevant approvals and we continue to work within approved guidelines.

WaterNSW will continue to work with the community, stakeholders and residents and provide updates throughout the project and monitoring period.

Related information

Water quality expert demonstrates autonomous monitoring boat

Contact

For more information about the Chaffey Dam to Dungowan Pipeline Biodiversity Offset - Monitoring program, please contact our Engagement Team at Engagement@waternsw.com.au or call 1300 662 077.

WaterNSW acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we work and pay our respects to all elders past, present and emerging. Learn more