Dams in NSW are independently regulated by Dams Safety NSW, which provides compliance requirements and guidelines for dam owners. Council owns and/or manages the following dams and detention basins that are declared dams by Dams Safety NSW.

Shellharbour City Centre Detention Basin

The Shellharbour City Centre Detention Basin lies within the commercial centre of Shellharbour and is bounded by New Lake Entrance Road to the north, Minga Avenue to the east, Cygnet Avenue to the south and the Stoney Range Commercial Centre to the west.

Council has an adopted Operations and Maintenance Plan and Emergency Plan for the Shellharbour City Centre Detention Basin.


You can view the Dams Safety NSW Annual Safety Standards Reports for the Shellharbour City Centre Detention Basin below:

 

Shell Cove Detention Basin

Shell Cove Detention Basin lies within the residential area of Shell Cove and is bounded by Norfolk Crescent to the north, Hayman Crescent to the south, and Southern Cross Boulevard to the west.

Council has an adopted Operations and Maintenance Plan and Emergency Plan for the Shell Cove Detention Basin.


You can view the Dams Safety NSW Annual Safety Standards Reports for the Shell Cove Detention Basin below:

 

St Joseph’s Detention Basin

The St Joseph’s Detention Basin lies within the residential area of Albion Park and is bounded by Church Street to the south and the west, Macquarie Street to the east and St Joseph’s Catholic High School to the north.

Council has an adopted Operations and Maintenance Plan and Emergency Plan for the St Joseph's Detention Basin.

You can view the Dams Safety NSW Annual Safety Standards Reports for the St Joseph's Basin below:

 

All NSW declared Dams can be found using the interactive map provided by Dam Safety NSW using Dams Safety NSW interactive map.

Please note: the following sites have been de-prescribed and no longer fall under the regulation of Dams Safety NSW:

  • Blackbutt Dam (de-prescribed in 2022)
  • Green Meadows Detention Basin (de-prescribed in 2024

 

The Illawarra Local Emergency Management Plan (EMPLAN)

The Illawarra Local Emergency Management Plan (EMPLAN) is the primary document guiding emergency preparedness, response, and recovery arrangements for the Shellharbour Local Emergency Management Area, covering the entire Shellharbour Local Government Area. 

The plan sets out the responsibilities and functions of each agency to ensure a coordinated and effective response during emergency events. 

More information related to Dams in NSW can be found on Dam Safety NSW website. 

Last updated : Wed 9 Sep 2026