Have your say on raising Clarrie Hall dam

AN Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) supporting the Tweed Shire Council’s proposal to raise Clarrie Hall Dam by 8.5 metres is now on public exhibition.

The EIS covers expert studies into the impact of raising the dam wall by 8.5 metres on dam safety, cultural heritage, biodiversity, flooding, water quality, hydrology, and the construction impact on traffic, noise and air quality.

Council Water and Wastewater Business and Assets Manager, Michael Wraight, encouraged the community to have their say.

“The NSW Government will consider all submissions received before making a recommendation on the proposal to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, who will make the ultimate decision on whether it can go ahead,” Mr Wraight said.

“The EIS is a crucial step in the planning process and ensures all potential impacts are identified and can be effectively mitigated.

“Raising the dam by 8.5 metres would almost triple its capacity to about 42,300 megalitres, securing the Tweed’s water supply until at least 2065.”

Drop-in sessions will be held face-to-face on Wednesday, October 23, at the Kingscliff Bowls Club from 5pm to 7pm and on Thursday, October 24, at the Murwillumbah CWA Hall from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, and Uki’s Holy Trinity Church from 5pm to 7pm.

Online sessions will be held on Friday, October 25, from 10am to 11.30am and Monday, October 28, from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Construction is expected to start in late 2026, pending state and national approvals.

“Raising the dam wall would ensure Council can continue to provide a safe, sustainable and affordable water supply for decades to come,” Mr Wraight said.

“I encourage anyone interested in the EIS to visit our Your Say Tweed web page and come along to a face-to-face or online information session.”

Feedback on the EIS and the wider dam-raising proposal is open until Wednesday, November 6 at yoursaytweed.com.au/clarriehalldameis