Bushman's Dam Flood Repair
- Project value$668,252.00
- Project scheduleConstruction commenced
- Completion Date30 June 2027
The project will repair flood damage that will involve bank stabilisation, wall reconstruction, vegetation removal and dredging to create a safe environment on site and protect downstream assets and town main street from flood damage in the future.
Project Update: February 2026
Council is seeking community feedback on the Community Asset Program 2024 - Bushman’s Dam Flood Repair Project. The project will deliver long-lasting improvements to better manage future rain events that Bushman’s Dam has previously been unable to accommodate, while also enhancing the area’s appearance.
Project Update: March 2026
Preliminary flood analysis has been completed to assess potential impacts and inform the design process. Concept design plans have been developed, providing an initial layout and framework for the project. A detailed survey of the site has also been undertaken to accurately capture existing conditions and services. The project design is now approximately 80 per cent complete, with the remaining work focused on finalising detailed elements before the next phase of delivery.
Project Update: May 2026
Council will revise the design for the project following strong community feedback received during the recent consultation process. Feedback highlighted that Bushman’s Dam is a highly valued and well-used community space, with many respondents emphasising the importance of maintaining the visual appeal of the waterbody, protecting environmental values and ensuring the project continues to deliver meaningful flood mitigation outcomes.
The revised design will retain the island, protect the visual amenity of the area and continues to improve the site’s resilience during major rain events. A number of practical safety and environmental improvements will also form part of the design. The upgraded waterbody will include gently battered edges and shallow water zones around the perimeter to improve safety, particularly for children. Landscaped garden beds and sandstone bench seating between the carpark and the waterbody will also create an attractive recreational area while providing a natural protective buffer.
Ahead of construction, water will be drained from the dam in advance to allow wildlife time to relocate naturally, with Council’s environmental staff available to safely relocate native species requiring assistance, including eastern long-neck turtles and yabbies. Council will also incorporate habitat-sensitive design features around the waterbody, including vegetation and edge treatments where appropriate, as part of its broader commitment to environmental stewardship.
(See concept design drawing document on the right.)
Project Scope:
Activity 1
- Contractors engaged and site survey completed.
- Environmental assessment and detailed designs finalised.
- Site established, services relocated, demolition of damaged infrastructure completed.
- Vegetation removed, dam drained and dredging commenced.
Activity 2
- Dredging completed.
- Stabilisation works on the south bank.
- Sand imported and shaped for the northern bank.
Activity 3 / Project Completion
- Dam refilled.
- Construction of approx. 70m of concrete footpath.
- Rehabilitation of approx. 500m², including topsoil, irrigation, turf and fencing.
Location
Kelly Reserve, Peak Hill Road, Parkes, Parkes 2870 View Map
-33.12505405469267, 148.17343400707477
Kelly Reserve, Peak Hill Road, Parkes ,
Parkes 2870
Kelly Reserve, Peak Hill Road, Parkes ,
Parkes 2870
Bushman's Dam Flood Repair
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