Sheba Dam upgrade worth $300,000 to start on Monday

The Sheba Dams site near Hanging Rock will soon have enhanced safety and tourism-appeal to draw in more locals and visitors.

The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment - Crown Lands is undertaking the maintenance project. Works will involve the removal of trees growing on the embankments, repair of holes in the dam embankments, and remediation of the slip on the lower dam wall.

Access to the lower dam wall will also be improved to allow for better maintenance.

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Local wildlife conservation organisations will be engaged to ensure animals are safely removed from the site while works take place.

To allow the work to be undertaken safely, the water levels in each dam will be lowered by approximately 5m. The lower dam water level will be lowered first, followed by the upper dam.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the dams were more than 100 years old, and "their ongoing integrity and safety is paramount".

"These works will ensure the dams are in a great condition so they can be safely enjoyed by future generations," Mr Anderson said.

"Importantly, access to Sheba Dams will not be restricted while works take place but visitors are asked to follow all safety messaging displayed on site."

Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey said the works were supported with a $100,000 contribution from the state government's COVID-19 stimulus program.

"The NSW Government has committed to a guaranteed $107.2 billion infrastructure pipeline over four years to drive jobs, tourism and local economies," she said.

"Improving community infrastructure is key to ensuring we support regional communities through the pandemic and beyond."

The work is expected to be completed in four weeks.

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