Lake Cargelligo dam work ramps up

WaterNSW is committed to improving how we engage with First Nations people across all aspects of our operations and projects, as part of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

“We have been meeting with and listening to members of the Lake Cargelligo community about what they need,” WaterNSW Aboriginal Program & Engagement Specialist, Felicity Rooney, said.

“We’ve been asking: How can we help support what’s already happening in the community? To help ensure we stay connected to the community after this project is completed.”

Meetings have been held with the local TAFE College, Lake Cargelligo Central School, Murrin Bridge Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), and the Clontarf Foundation to discuss ways we can work together and improve employment and training outcomes for the community.

In 2023, WaterNSW is developing its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, to identify and implement innovative strategies to empower First Nations peoples.

“We are forming a new internal RAP working group named the RAP Ngulaway Group to encourage two-way learning, ownership, growth and internal resilience,” Felicity said. “Ngulaway is a Wiradjuri word meaning ‘meeting each other’.

“This group will help manage the delivery and implementation of the Innovate RAP and in doing so, bring us on the reconciliation journey.”

WaterNSW’s Innovate RAP will drive a positive and culturally appropriate approach to the delivery of our services to First Nations communities throughout NSW.

It will outline the organisations broader commitment to reconciliation, engaging more wholly with communities to strive for better outcomes in First Nations employment, training, and procurement.

Our RAP demonstrates our strong commitment to continually improving engagement with First Nations communities and stakeholders, to grow deeper understandings and cultural awareness within the organisation, so “together we walk as one”.

Construction of the Lake Cargelligo embankment upgrade is planned to start in mid-2023. Work was planned to start in mid-2022 but was delayed due to heavy rain events in the Lachlan Valley catchment area.

Before major work starts, Lake Cargelligo levels will be lowered to 50% capacity. This process will take at least four weeks, weather and flow volumes permitting.

Dam safety specialists are assessing the current condition of the embankments following extensive emergency repair work during the flooding and these investigations will refine the scope and program of the works. The community will be updated as soon as a program is finalised.

WaterNSW will continue to work closely with the community, landowners, the Aboriginal community and other stakeholders as the project progresses.

Lake Cargelligo will remain open for recreation activities when the lake reaches 50% capacity, including the public boat ramp near Lake Cargelligo Boat Club.

The lake provides water for town supply, irrigation and recreation. The embankments were built in the early 1900s, and the stabilisation works will help ensure the lakes remains available for recreation for years to come.