About the Werai Forest project
During the early development stages of the Reconnecting River Country Program, aging infrastructure in Werai Forest was identified as limiting water flows to its Ramsar listed creeks and wetlands.
This is affecting the health and cultural heritage values of the forest and the flora and fauna depending on these flows to thrive. The 3 aging regulators are also difficult to operate and require upgrading to modern safety standards.
Upgrading this infrastructure will support the health of the forest’s waterways and wetlands through improved connectivity and fish passage. It will also provide better access and opportunities for First Nations people as owners of the forest and will allow better and more efficient water delivery.
Due to the environmental and cultural heritage importance of the forest, the upgrades are being prioritised separate to the wider Reconnecting River Country Program.
The project is fully funded by the Australian Government for delivery by December 2026.
Scope of works
Three aging regulators (Tumudgery Creek, Niemur River and Reed Bed Creek) and a pipe structure (Moonyah Lagoon) will be replaced.
Project benefits include:
- improved river connectivity and fish passage
- improved access and opportunities for First Nations people as owners of the forest
- the new regulators will be easier and safer to operate
- improved river operations (control and efficiency)
- improved local and regional environmental health of waterways and wetlands
- improved water delivery, in-line with Murray-Darling Basin Plan objectives.
Project activities
The department’s Water Group will lead the delivery of the project with the involvement of the Werai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation.
Specific activities include:
- ongoing stakeholder engagement
- developing an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report and necessary site investigations with Traditional Owners
- reviewing and undertaking ecological, Aboriginal heritage and environmental studies
- conducting topographical and cadastral boundary surveys
- undertaking geotechnical investigations and hydraulic modelling to inform works design
- developing preliminary designs and cost estimates suitable for construction tendering
- finalising required approvals for the Review of Environmental Factors
- business consultation and construction tender preparation.
Contact us
For more information call us on 1300 081 047 or email us at: water.enquiries@dpie.nsw.gov.au