RECREATION

The Alliance is committed to maintaining the highest safety standards and in the interest of public safety many of the recreational facilities that occur in the immediate vicinity of the dam wall will not be possible during construction.

A 1km exclusion zone has been established surrounding the dam wall and a 50 metre exclusion zone around the Upper Intake Tower. No water (e.g. fishing, boating or swimming etc) and/or land (e.g. horse riding, mountain biking, picnics etc) activities are permitted in the exclusion zones. Due to construction activites exclusion zones will be maintained until the completion of the Project at the end of 2010.

ACTIVITIES THAT WILL CONTINUE DURING CONSTRUCTION

Land-based activities
Park areas adjacent to the dam wall will remain closed until construction is complete in late 2010. Land based activities that occur at the upper reaches of the dam, such as horse riding, walking and mountain biking will remain unaffected by construction activities, excluding the section near the upper intake tower while the intake tower is being raised.

Water-based activities
Boat access to the dam has been maintained in the upper reaches, however boating access via Advancetown Road and Gilston Road will remain closed until construction is complete in late 2010.

Please note that only electric motors are permitted on Hinze Dam.

Boat Ramps
The existing western boat ramp, on Nerang Murwillumbah Road is open to the public. The ramp is located approximately 10.5 km from intersection of Nerang Murwillumbah and Advancetown Roads. If using a GPS the address is approximately 601 Nerang Murwillumbah Road.

The temporary eastern boat ramp located near the intersection of Little Nerang and Range Road is now closed due to vegetation clearing but will re-open soon.

New Boat Ramp Update

The new boat ramps will remain closed to the public until water levels increase. The new boat ramps have been designed to accommodate the new water levels once Stage 3 is complete. As the dam is still at the Stage 2 level the water level is too low and as such the new ramps will remain closed. Access is maintained via the existing boat ramp on Nerang Murwillumbah Road.

To check access details please call 1800 993 413.

POST CONSTRUCTION ACCESS

Striking a balance
Maintaining water quality is a key objective when planning recreational facilities and activities at Hinze Dam. The challenge is to plan for acceptable levels of public infrastructure and to meet growing visitor numbers to the area. New recreation areas will take into consideration the need for picnic areas, water views and links to walking trails.

Visitor Centre and Parkland
The Hinze Dam Stage 3 (HDS3) project includes the design and construction of a new Visitor Centre and Parkland located near the dam spillway. Currently, concept design drawings for the Visitor Centre are being developed, and the HDS3 project team will shortly seek community input on the plans.

In addition to the Visitor Centre there is also provision for a Parkland area, which may include car parking, a cafe facility and function room, an outdoor education pavilion, landscaping and outdoor picnic areas.

The Visitor Centre and Parkland are expected to open to the public in 2011.

Use the Contact Us Page if you would like to provide us with feedback on your thoughts for the Hinze Dam recreation facilities.