Efforts are being ramped up to net $5 million to upgrade Copeton Dam's northern foreshore for the thousands of visitors it scores annually.
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Stakeholders met at the site at the weekend to discuss what Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall calls "a brilliant plan" for the tourist destination.
He met with Inverell shire mayor Paul Harmon, caretaker Tom Stapleton and Inverell RSM Fishing Club members as the state government considers the plan.
"This project is expected to inject a further $4 million into local businesses a year with the extra visitors the redevelopment will attract," Mr Marshall said.
A new clubhouse would be built to cater for groups, and the boat ramps extended.
Bitumen roads would be improved to make boat access safe and easy no matter the water level.
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Campground amenities would be modernised; and barbecue facilities, children's playgrounds, fitness equipment, walking trails and disabled access put in.
Mr Marshall said it would "unlock the full potential of Copeton Dam and attract more tourists than ever before".
"It will be a huge win for our entire area, with towns like Bundarra, Bingara and Warialda also benefiting from the through-traffic as tourists head to Copeton to try their luck in landing a giant Murray cod," he said.
"Our region is crying out for more holiday destinations which are affordable for families and accessible to people of all abilities."
Mr Marshall said visitors to the area had gone up by almost 400 per cent in the past four years.
"Copeton is famous for its open Murray cod season and attracts thousands of people from right across Australia and from overseas to try their luck."
