26 September 2023

Recreation reserve reopens after 30 years

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A unique Crown land reserve in the Central West has been reopened to the public after a 30-year hiatus.

The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Crown Lands said public access to Junction Reefs Recreation Reserve, near Mandurama, had been restricted by a gold mining lease on the site since 1991, but people were once again welcome following negotiations with mining company OceanaGold and the Junction Reefs Land Manager Board.

“Visitors can view the historic Junction Reefs Dam (also known as Belubula Dam) and its distinctive arches and brick curves, as well as a waterfall at the site located on the Belubula River,” Crown Lands said.

“The dam, which is listed on the State Heritage Register, is the only one of its type in NSW and is considered an engineering icon as the first multi-arched dam built in Australia,” it said.

“It was designed and built by civil engineer Oscar Shulze in 1896, in a ravine above a crushing mill, to provide hydropower for gold extraction and water supply during the gold rush.”

Crown Lands said the dam was the first hydro-electric power plant in NSW.

It said a toilet block and picnic table had been constructed for visitors, along with the installation of livestock grids and fencing to control cattle movements and improve access for visitors.

Further information on the Reserve can be accessed on its dedicated Facebook page at this PS News link.

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