Background
The Tillegra Dam was proposed for the Williams River in the Hunter Region of New South Wales. Had the project proceeded, thousands of hectares of farmland would have been flooded and major ecological impacts would have flowed downstream. The Williams River is home to platypus populations and feeds into the internationally recognised Kooragang wetlands—important habitat for migratory shorebirds and estuarine species. The wetlands form part of a broader ecosystem of major environmental significance along the NSW coast.
The Campaign
The New South Wales Government and Hunter Water argued the dam was necessary to secure future water supplies for the region. However, campaigners argued that no proper assessment of the Hunter’s long-term water needs had been completed and that local communities had not been adequately consulted. Concerns also grew over the environmental impacts the dam would have on wetlands, river systems and surrounding farmland. The Wilderness Society joined the Save the Williams River Coalition and mobilised supporters across Newcastle and Sydney. The campaign combined grassroots organising, media work, expert science and policy advocacy. A key moment came when Professor Richard Kingsford from the University of New South Wales produced an independent report highlighting the likely impacts the dam would have on the internationally recognised Hunter Estuary Wetlands. Working alongside local conservation and community groups, campaigners built strong public opposition to the proposal.
Protection Achieved
Following sustained public pressure and growing environmental concerns, the NSW Department of Planning rejected the proposal. In November 2010, Premier Kristina Keneally announced the Tillegra Dam had been cancelled. The decision protected the Williams River, surrounding farmland and critical downstream wetland ecosystems.
Legacy
The Tillegra campaign became a strong example of community-led environmental action succeeding against a major infrastructure proposal. It demonstrated the importance of independent science, grassroots organising and public pressure in defending rivers and wetlands from destructive development.
“The campaign […] is an example of the Wilderness Society doing what we do best—using people power to protect Australia’s amazing natural places.” — Warrick Jordan, Newcastle Campaigns Manager