Popular camping spot back in business after upgrade

Published: December 8, 2020
Inverell's Copeton Dam foreshores

Campers are now being welcomed back a popular camping spot near Inverell in New South Wales following some major infrastructure upgrades.

The northern foreshore of Copeton Dam has been closed to travellers throughout the pandemic as a host of work took place. But the Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall, said that the area has now been transformed from a comfortable camping getaway to a luxury outdoor escape.

“The new amenities block, which is twice the size of the original, is equipped with showers, toilets and disabled access and is now ready for visitors to enjoy,” he told the Inverell Times. “In terms of recreational infrastructure, 2.4 kilometres of shared footpaths now snake their way around the park, connecting the campground to a number of new viewing platforms that overlook the dam.”

Last week, a floating pontoon was installed beside the concrete boat ramp, enabling boaters to safely enter and exit boats from the water’s edge.

Mayor Paul Harmon said all of the work on $5.7 million tourism development would be completed early next year, and he predicted that caretaker Tom Stapleton would be kept busy.

“Caretaker Tom is now taking bookings and Inverell is really looking forward to welcoming the return of visitors and economic benefit that they will deliver to local hospitality and retail operators,” he said.

The council hopes that the tourism opportunities presented by the new development will inject millions into the economy each year, helping it to rebuild after years of drought and the pandemic.

The upgrade was undertaken after it was revealed that visitation to northern foreshores had increased by 380% in five years. Before commencing work, the council conducted a community survey back in 2019. Its key findings were:

– Fishing, camping and water skiing were the most popular pursuits for visitors;

– Inexpensive admission and proximity to Inverell were key reasons for visitors choosing Copeton Northern Foreshores as a recreational destination;

– Priority areas requiring an upgrade were listed as toilets, showers / laundry facilities, playground facilities, picnic facilities and kiosk.

  • Have you stayed at Copeton Dam? Do you recommend it? Comment below
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Well, it was $20 per night, per powered site back before the reno, so I supposed it would be much dearer. You used to be able to take pets in as well. I supposed they have been banned as well. Am a local though, so may, or may not go back there. Will probably keep going to the free east side instead.

The main Copeton Waters park has become far too expensive, the park needs some TLC and the management has a don’t care attitude. Currently $34 per night powered site. You will need a bank loan to camp there over the peak periods. Since being taken over by Reflections, the park has gone downhill!! After living and camping there for the past 40 years, we will never go back there. They are losing an enormous amount of business. Thank god the Inverell Shire has seen the value of the North Shore area. That is where our family and friends will be going from now on. A huge loss for Reflections but they have a don’t care attitude. See everyone at North Shore.

Well said uncle graham

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