Chaffey Dam Pipeline - Biodiversity offsets program

WaterNSW is delivering a package of biodiversity offsets, following the completion of the Chaffey Dam to Dungowan pipeline project in 2020.  The package of work is being delivered through the Commonwealth approved Biodiversity Offset Plan to mitigate impacts from the temporary operation of the pipeline.

Work will include the installation of about 50 snags in the Peel River.

Resnagging work will start on Monday 18 March 2024, following site mobilisation work starting Monday 11 March. Snag installation work will be complete by late 2024, weather permitting.

Hardwood trees of varying lengths will be installed along a 30-kilometre section of river between Chaffey Dam and Tamworth. Each location has been selected to provide maximum benefit to river species, protect riverbanks, reduce erosion and avoid impact to Aboriginal heritage. The snags have been 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 resnagging works.

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

The next stage of the biodiversity offset project will include the installation of self-cleaning pump screens. When installed, these will protect native fish eggs and other aquatic species from the pumps and protect the essential infrastructure from debris damage. More information on the installation of the pump screens will be provided as the project progresses, and we’ll continue to work with pump owners to identify preferred locations.

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 ongoing.