During Council’s recent meeting they unanimously endorsed the Locality Plan of Works for delivery of the Bethungra Dam Reserve Improvements through the Regional Tourism Activation Fund. This is the next step from a previously endorsed Plan of Management at Bethungra Dam with the intention of developing the reserve through grantfunded works.
A report to Council on the potential works looks at the Regional Tourism Activation Fund for monetary allocations towards Bethungra Dam and proposed improvements through granite path construction to key places of interest and lookout points.
The Bethungra Dam Masterplan had three key focuses, improving the camping areas to increase stay, improving the accessibility, exploration areas and discovery in the reserve and increasing and reinstating the vegetation at the reserve.
Previously, Transport for New South Wales has committed to assisting in revegetating the area, as offsets for the Bethungra Project and Council recently completed improvement works at the camping areas.
Project funding from the Regional Tourism Activation Fund (RTAF) is on the walking and discovery areas to extend the walking and hiking network. The RTAF funding has been allocated towards granite paths linking the exploration areas and discovery areas in the reserve and establishing safe, user-friendly lookout points.
The proposed works include:
• Construction of 3km of Granite Pathway.
• Construction of three lookouts facing towards Junee, one with 2WD vehicle access, one with 4WD vehicle and walking access and one with walking access only
• Three pedestrian bridge crossings on the upstream and downstream tributaries to Bethungra Dam.
• Installation of 1km, 2km and 3km marker signage.
• Installation of interpretive signage totalling approximately 20 signs.
• Installation of three swimming or kayak/canoe entry points.
• Installation of picnic tables.
The style of the proposed designs and pathway is consistent with the previous granite paths and steel structures at Bethungra Dam and the Bethungra Spiral.
GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT TO THE ORDINARY MEETING OF JUNEE SHIRE COUNCIL HELD ON 24 JUNE 2025
Page 12 CONSIDERATIONS Native Title Assessment
The plan of management for Bethungra provides strict guidelines for activities that require a Native Title Assessment and validation under the Native Title Act 1993 are to be carried out by Council’s Native Title Manager before the commencement of any of those activities outlined in the PoM.
The council will undertake a Native Title Assessment in consultation with Crown Land NSW before the works.
Financial
The estimated costs to undertake the proposed improvements works, along with the works proposed under the RTAF funding for this grant.
The programmed work is allocated within the capital works program for 2025/26, 75% of which is grant funding.
Design and project management would be absorbed by the engineering service budget already allocated.
Establishment $10,000
3km Granite Path $252,000
Interpretive Signage $21,000
Bridges $75,000
Slabs and Tables $45,000
Beach Landings $36,000
Total Project Costs $439,000
Connection with IPR
The Sustainable component of our Community Strategic Plan, particularly Objective 5 focuses on the community being in harmony with its built and natural environment to get the best value today for future generations.
Objective 5 – For our community to be in harmony with its built and natural environment. By developing Bethungra Reserve, Council is allowing for a community touch with its built and natural environment in the future through good design. This fulfils part of the Delivery Program Action 5.1, Encouraging respectful planning, balanced growth and good design. It is recommended that to develop the Bethungra Dam Reserve including commencing the granite pathway and developing the lookout points and points of interest at the reserve.
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