Repairs completed at Moore Creek Dam

 Safety has been improved at the historic Moore Creek Dam near Tamworth after flooding caused a range of damage at the site last year. 

The dam, located north west of Tamworth in the Upper Moore Creek Valley, suffered damage after a significant flood event in the region during the La Nina season in 2022. 

Repairs to the dam have been undertaken by Crown Lands, which owns and manages the site, including repairs to its access track to eliminate washouts, removal of flood debris from the dam wall and adjoining areas, and the reinstatement of dam wall safety fencing. 

Repairs will enable access to the dam wall by vehicles for monitoring and inspection of the site. 

The removal of flood debris will provide free flow of water over the watercourse and reduce the risk of debris building up and potentially damaging the dam structure. 

Reinstating the safety fence provides increased safety for those using the site as well as minimising the chance of falls. 

The 18.6 metre dam was built in 1898 as the town’s original water supply but silted up within 15 years and so was no longer used as a reservoir. Like many other dams across the State, Crown Lands manages this dam as legacy infrastructure as the previous operator no longer exists. 

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said Moore Creek Dam is one of three dam sites managed by Crown Lands, the others being Junction Reefs Dam near Mandurama and Cowarra Creek Tailings Dam near Bredbo. 

“This work by Crown Lands will ensure the ongoing safety of the Moore Creek Dam, improve access to the site, and also reduce any ongoing damage to the structure which is an historic part of the Tamworth region,” Mr Kamper said.