Susanna Freymark
The relief for Kyogle Fishing Club members was palpable– WaterNSW has agreed to allow the club to manage and use Bells Bay Campground at Toonumbar Dam for the next 10 years.
Under the licence agreement, management of the campground and amenities such as the shelters and ramp will remain with the Kyogle Fishing Club for the long term.
Representatives from WaterNSW, Kyogle Council, Kyogle Fishing Club joined State MP Janelle Saffin at Bells Bay Campground today, Wednesday, November 4 for the signing of the licence agreement between WaterNSW and the fishing club.
”I never had any doubt it would happen,” Ms Saffin said.
In May last year, club members said they were “gobsmacked” when Water NSW suddenly decided to close access to Bells Bay campground. Read about that here.
There were many times in the past year when it looked the club would lose their right to fish out of the dam and to use the campground.
It’s been a journey of careful negotiation.
Ms Saffin said WaterNSW’s job is about water, they don’t need a fishing club.
“They came and and talked to me about divestment.”
Ms Saffin said it was always about community.
”WaterNSW can appreciate that,” she said.
The 10 year licence signed today gives the fishing club some certainty.
WaterNSW chief executive Andrew George said it is a partnership.
”It was a masterclass from Janelle Saffin – it hasn‘t been an easy journey,” he said.
In addition, WaterNSW and Kyogle Council have agreed to work together on two projects in the area. Kyogle Council will upgrade the access road to Bells Bay at Toonumbar Dam when external funding becomes available.
The council also agreed, dependent on approvals and funding, to work with WaterNSW to remove the old Toonumbar Retreat buildings, restore parts of the site and create two new areas for day visitors.
WaterNSW chief executive Andrew George said keeping the area in community hands was a “great outcome” that will ensure it remains a drawcard for fishermen, campers and visitors into the foreseeable future.
“The agreement balances WaterNSW’s responsibility to ensure community safety with the strong local desire to keep the campground operating under community management,” Mr George said.
Deputy mayor John Burley has been advocating for the club since the announcement was made by WaterNSW to close down Bells Bay.
”This is one of the most beautiful spots in Kyogle Shire,” Mr Burley said.
Fishing club president Barry Reeves said there had been many sleepless nights before today’s signing.
”We never thought this would come,” Mr Reeves said.
”It’s a good day for Kyogle Fishing Club.”
The caretakers cottage used by the fishing club was given a two-year lease by WaterNSW
The fishing club is responsible for maintaining the cottage, the shelters, lights, tables and other infrastructure at the campground.
“We’re a not-for-profit group,” Mr Reeves said.
The fishing club has 80 members.Money is mainly raised through camping fees.
Fishing club volunteers have cared for and promoted Bells Bay for more than 50 years, Mr Reeves said.
What happens after 10 years?
The licence agreement can be renewed, Mr George said.
The initial plan to close Bells Bay came from WaterNSW not having “spare money” to spend on facilities.
“We get our revenue from water users and we have a very small customer base,” he said.
“The council came to the party and they made all the difference.”
Kyogle mayor Danielle Mulholland said it was good news for the community and visitors who regularly use Bells Bay and Toonumbar Dam.
“This agreement is a really positive step forward, and gives us a pathway to keep Bells Bay and Toonumbar Dam open to the community, and deliver necessary upgrades when grant funding is secured,” Ms Mulholland said.
Was the WaterNSW chief executive going to go fishing while he was here?
”I’d love to go fishing,” Mr George said.
Mr Reeves said people could use Bells Bay Campground even if they didn’t want to fish.
The agreement is a win for all the community who keep access to this beautiful part of Kyogle.