Toonumbar Dam

Toonumbar Dam is a minor ungated rock fill with clay core embankment dam with a concrete chute spillway across the Iron Pot Creek north-west of Casino in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia. The dam's purpose includes hydro-power, irrigation, water supply, and conservation. The impounded reservoir is called Lake Toonumbar.

Location and features

Commenced in 1969 and completed in 1971, the Toonumbar Dam is a minor ungated dam, located approximately west of Kyogle and north-west of Casino. The dam was built by Citra Australia Limited on behalf of the New South Wales Department of Land and Water Conservation to conserve water, control flows, reduce flood risk and
provide a reliable water supply in the region.
The dam wall constructed with of rock fill with clay core is high and long. The maximum water depth is and at 100% capacity the dam wall holds back of water at AHD. The surface area of Lake Toonumbar is and the catchment area is. The uncontrolled concrete chute spillway is capable of discharging.

Recreation

The reservoir, Lake Toonumbar, provides a location for freshwater sports fishing for the species Australian Bass. Boat access is available at Bells Bay and near the dam wall, combustion engine powered craft are permitted to use the dam as long as the 8 knot speed limit is kept to.

Fishing

Lake Toonumbar has been stocked regularly with Australian Bass and Eastern Cod fingerlings. It is also known as one of the best bass fisheries on the North Coast. A NSW Fishing Licence is required to fish in the dam.