Crown Lands to manage historic Junction Reefs Recreation Reserve

Public access to Junction Reefs Recreation Reserve has been maintained after Crown Lands formally took over management of a unique and historical site in the state’s Central West.

The Junction Reefs Recreation Reserve, located near Mandurama between Bathurst and Cowra, is home to an historic dam that was constructed in 1897 to provide water and hydropower to a nearby gold mine. The dam was designed in 1896 by prominent civil engineer Oscar Shulze and was the first hydro-electric power plant in NSW. It provided critical resources for intrepid miners during the height of the state’s gold rush.

The dam, with its sleek, prominent arches, is considered an architectural marvel and is listed on the State Heritage Register.

Public access to the site was restricted for about 30 years due to an active gold mining lease. Crown Lands worked with the mining company, OceanaGold, and the former Crown Land Manager board to negotiate a deed of access to allow public use of the reserve while the mining company concluded its tenure on the site.

The reserve was managed by an administrator for the last two years which resulted in improvements for visitors such as carparking and installation of barbeques. Now the reserve will remain open to the community under management by Crown Lands.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the tranquil, tree-lined reserve on the shoreline of the Belubula River. The public is welcome to visit the site and enjoy its beautiful natural resources, which include fishing spots, scenic walks, a lookout, and a waterfall.

There are free camp sites available for short stays with toilets and picnic tables. Crown Lands has undertaken key maintenance work at the site. Livestock grids and fencing have been installed at the reserve and at the nearby Bakers Shaft Reserve to control cattle movements and improve access for visitors.

Crown Lands will manage the reserve and engage with local stakeholders to ensure this idyllic site is available to the public for years to come.

Crown Lands Executive Director of Land and Asset Management Greg Sullivan said he hoped the public will come to visit this unique historical landmark, which dates back to the gold rush.

"Junction Reefs Recreational Reserve is a beautiful gem and one of NSW's most important early engineering and architectural achievements," Mr Sullivan said.

"The Crown land estate supports thriving, resilient and sustainable communities across NSW by providing a home for everything from recreational and environmental reserves to community halls, showgrounds and racecourse