Great news!

The scenic Bells Bay Camping Ground near Toonumbar Dam is under caretaker management and will be open for the September/October school holidays, which begin next week (September 25).

Kyogle Fishing Club has taken over as interim manager of the Bells Bay Camping Ground on behalf of WaterNSW, current owner of the site.

This follows extensive discussions between WaterNSW, Kyogle Council and Kyogle Fishing Club to ensure the grounds remain open as a key and valuable tourism asset for the region following the sudden departure of the previous lessee.

“I am very pleased to see this matter progressed and to have an outcome which will benefit the community and visitors alike,” Kyogle Council Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland said.

“Toonumbar Dam is a feature of our region and to see it utilised more fully is an exciting prospect.  Congratulations to the Kyogle Fishing Club for taking this on and I wish them every success.”

WaterNSW is currently reviewing options for the long-term management of the Toonumbar Dam area and recreational sites. The review process is expected to take between six to 12 months to complete.

“WaterNSW has listened to community and local government concerns, understands the importance of the camping ground and remains committed to providing public access to the dam area and recreational sites while the review takes place,” WaterNSW executive manager system operations and asset maintenance, Adrian Langdon, said.

The camping ground will remain open on all school and public holidays. Outside of holiday periods, operating hours during summer will be from 6pm Friday to 7.30pm Sunday.

Kyogle Fishing Club will be responsible for all bookings and information about the Bells Bay Camping Ground. They can be contacted on 0459 383 498 or you can email kyoglefishingclub@gmail.com for any enquiries about the grounds and fees.

Toonumbar Waters Retreat is currently unavailable for public use. The site has been secured and will remain closed for the foreseeable future. For more information on the long-term management of the Bells Bay Camping Site and Toonumbar Waters Retreat, visit the WaterNSW website www.waternsw.com.au.