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4 November 2005
Bright future for historic dam
Over the past 100 years, Redbank Dam, nestling in tree-clad hill just two kilometres south of Mudgee was not just a water supply, but also a haven for fishing, family picnics an anyone else who enjoyed the solitude of the bush.
But, over the last 20 years, the dam has fallen on hard times. It is no longer a drawcard, and even the water level is down to just a pond.
Now, there's a bright future ahead.
Mid-Western Regional Council was faced with three alternatives:
• Do nothing which was unacceptable to the NSW Dam Safety Committee.
• Demolish the wall and put property owners downstream to face flood danger.
• Retain the wall and carry out remedial works.
The ambitious third option, which will cost about $1.9 million was given the green light on Wednesday by council's works committee and will now go to the full council on November 16 for ratification.
That meeting is also expected approve a further recommendation to proceed with documentation for the design and construction of the remedial works.
According to council's water and waste manager, Carl Peterson, Redbank Dam should be retained for three major reasons:
• Flood mitigation to protect residents along Redbank Creek.
• Recreational benefits.
• Heritage value.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is in favour of the remedial works on the wall, which began leaking less than a year after it was opened in 1899.
Mr Peterson said remedial works would involve removal of the top three metres of the arch wall before strengthening is carried out. After completion the water level will be kept to about two metres below the new crest.
The State Government has agreed to contribute $600,000 to the cost of the work.
At present the dam is located within Avisford Reserve which is under control of National Parks and Wildlife Service but following completion of the works, it will be vested in the council.
However, the NPWS has indicated it many be able to assist council with installation and ongoing maintenance of visitor facilities such as picnic tables, toilets and signs.
Mr Peterson said the local community had expressed strong support for retention of the dam, both at various public meetings and during the process of preparing heritage, flood and economic studies1 .