August 2024 update
Damage to Lake Brewster and the infrastructure around the lake occurred during the extensive Lachlan Valley flood event in late 2022. Significant damage was sustained to the weir pool levees, inlet channel, and lake embankments.
Emergency repairs by WaterNSW in 2023 and 2024 restored much of the infrastructure’s operational function. Constraints remain on flow capacity of the Brewster Weir pool, Lake Brewster inlet channel flow and Lake Brewster storage capacity and require further works to resolve.
Further emergency repair works to repair the Brewster levee have been accelerated and commenced earlier this week. These works include removal of vegetation and the placing of additional rockwork which will contribute to overall precautionary flood mitigation measures. This work is expected to be completed by the end of October 2024, weather permitting.
Planning for permanent repair works to sections of Lake Brewster is well underway. These permanent works are expected to commence in early 2025 and will restore the storage capacity of the lake, and ensure reliability of water storage and supply to Lachlan River customers.
More information will be shared with customers and the community as planning progresses.
Objectives
The project will restore the storage capacity of the lake, improve the reliability of water storage to Lachlan River customers.
Storage levels are currently reduced to a maximum of about 80% due to major damage to the lake's embankments. These levels will progressively increase as proposed permanent repair work are completed.
Schedule
- Mid 2023 – Complete emergency repair works, following major floods in November 2022.
- 2023 and early 2024 – Continue to scope permanent repair works including completing condition assessment and necessary design, environmental and heritage studies. WaterNSW is currently completing additional repair works to Levee C, while planning for permanent repair work is underway.
- Later 2024 – Program of work to be scheduled, and work to start in early 2025.
Background
Major flooding in November 2022 caused significant damage to the lake’s inlet channel embankments, preventing lake inflows and restricting access to infrastructure to essential maintenance and inspection work. Recognising the lake’s importance to the region’s storage capacity, water quality and ecology, WaterNSW prioritised emergency repair work and this work was completed in April 2023.
Despite emergency repair works, storage levels are reduced to a maximum of about 80% due to major damages. These levels will progressively increase once the proposed permanent repair works are completed.
Consultation
WaterNSW recognises a range of stakeholders interested in these works and is committed to consulting closely with impacted parties when required.
The area around Lake Brewster has high cultural heritage significance and we will undertake the appropriate environmental and heritage reviews, including consultation with key parties, before work starts.
We will work closely with customers and our internal delivery teams to minimise impacts to water supply during construction, and we will keep customers informed as plans progress.
We also recognise the lake’s large pelican population and will continue to work closely with the Department of Planning and Environment, Lachlan Environmental Water Advisory Group (EWAG) and other government organisations and interested community members.
Contact
For general enquiries on WaterNSW’s work please contact us.
Related links
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