Desilting of Ariah Park’s Railway Dam Begins

Published on 12 November 2024

The long-awaited desilting of the Ariah Park Railway Dam has started this week. Preparations include building a new dam on the northeast corner of the existing one. Once the new dam is complete, water from the main dam will be pumped into it. The old dam will then be left to dry over the summer before desilting begins.

Mayor Rick Firman expressed excitement about the project, which aims to enhance local recreation. The project will clean up an eyesore off Mandamah Street, provide a larger and more secure raw water supply for Ariah Park, and create an improved recreational area for the community.

Temora Shire Council purchased the Railway Dam and the adjacent 30 acres to ensure a water supply for roadworks and potential future development. The Ariah Park Bowling Club, a long-term lessee of the dam, relies on its water. Club President Stephen French emphasized the importance of this water supply for the club’s future. Mayor Firman assured that the council would work with the club to minimize disruptions.

A 10-acre Nature Reserve east of the Railway Dam, featuring native eucalypts and cypress pine, will be preserved.

The project involves removing up to 200m³ of rubbish, constructing a new dam with a capacity of 4,000-6,000m³, and desilting the main dam with an estimated 6,000-8,000m³ of silt. If additional funding is secured, a third stage will remove the northern bank and extend the dam complex by 5,500-8,000m³, potentially doubling the dam’s size to a capacity of 25-30 ML.

To facilitate the project, the council will establish banks on the southern side of the railway land to deposit good fill from the new dam and contain the silt.

If residents have any questions, please contact Temora Shire Council’s Engineering department on 02 6980 1100.