State Water Corporation is trialling the new system which, if adopted, will be used for all major dams in regional NSW.

The system will allow registered residents and property owners to receive a notification if dam releases are planned to increase or in the case of an emergency release.

Following the December 2010 floods, State Water decided to fast track the dam notification network as it is an essential component of any dam safety system.

Segenhoe Stud is one property seriously affected by large and unexpected water releases from Glenbawn Dam situated just kilometres south of the dam’s gateway.

The million dollar thoroughbred stud spreads on both sides of the Hunter River and uses a low level cement crossing to access the main section of the stud from the Rouchel Road.

A notification system would be welcomed by the stud as numerous situations have seen the water level cause disruption to operations.

Segenhoe Stud general manager Royston Murphy said during periods when mass volumes of water are released from the dam the crossing suffers erosion and the stud has to spend money maintaining the damage from the water.

“The fact that Broad Crossing is still out of action means that our farm is split in two during these periods, and to get from one side to the other we have to travel an extra 20 kilometres via Aberdeen and the New England Highway, which obviously makes it difficult to manage the farm,” Mr Murphy said.

“This was a problem during the foaling season especially in emergencies.

“We understand that from time to time these releases are necessary, however, it would make our lives easier if they let steady amounts out over longer periods so we could still access our internal crossing.”

NSW Primary Industries minister Katrina Hodgkinson said the new system would enhance State Water’s ability to improve the accuracy and speed to alert local landholders and councils about increased dam releases and any resulting rise in river levels.

“It was clear to me that this facet of customer service was an area where an upgrade via technological investment would bring considerable benefit so it is great to see this trial up and running.”

A pilot of the system is being tested downstream of Glennies Creek Dam near Singleton.

Landholders and community members living downstream from Glenbawn Dam need to register to receive the updates by visiting www.statewater.com. au/ewn or contact 1300 703 017.