Friday, 8 May 2020
RECREATIONAL fishers and boaties are again able to set sail at two of the region’s premier waterways with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing Copeton Dam and Pindari Dam have reopened to the public following COVID-19 restrictions.
Mr Marshall said from today (Friday, 8 May 2020) council roads into Copeton Dam and Pindari Dam will be reopened to the public for day trips only, not overnight stays.
“Gradually, the State Government is easing social distancing restrictions, as means of restarting the economy and getting people’s lives back to normality,” Mr Marshall said.
“The reopening of these dams will come as a huge relief to many outdoor lovers who rely on fishing and getting out on the water as their main form of exercise.
“Inverell Shire Council staff have today removed ‘road closed’ signage on Howell Road into Copeton Dam and Pindari Dam Road at Pindari Dam. Boat ramps at both dams will be reopened for use.
“Auburn Vale Road into Copeton Dam’s Northern Foreshore will remain closed while work continues on the $5 million campground redevelopment.
“This really is great news for the petrol stations, cafés and retail businesses in Inverell and Ashford who rely on people stopping in town and spending money on their way through to the dam.
“2020 has been seriously lacking in the good news department but with Copeton Dam now at 12.7 percent and Pindari Dam at 11.6 percent it will be fantastic to have people out and enjoying themselves with so much water around.”
Mr Marshall clarified while the waterway itself is open, the Copeton Waters Holiday Park and Northern Foreshores camping area and Pindari Dam camping ground remain closed.
“Under current COVID-19 travel restrictions in NSW caravan parks and camping grounds remain closed to the public,” he said.
“Unfortunately, it will still be some time yet before people are permitted to set up camp on the shoreline overnight and have a holiday.
“For those who do take up the opportunity to wet a line they must keep at least keep 1.5 metres from the nearest person and abide by the gatherings of two people rule.”
Information regarding current social distancing measures can be found at
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules