In 1832, a group of Campbelltown residents decided to raise the funds to dam the tributary of Bow Bowing Creek.
Thomas Rose, John Hurley, John Patrick, Thomas Meehan, John Scarr and others spearheaded the project.
A reservoir featuring silt traps and water purifiers was built at what is now known as Hurley Park.
Once it became full in 1840 the reservoir was Campbelltown’s main water supply for the next 50 years.
It only ran dry once in those five decades.
The reservoir became redundant when water began to be piped from the Kenny Hill water canal.
Part of this heritage could be lost in 2020 unless the State Government decides against selling a small parcel of land it owns in the historic Hurley Park precinct.
The Sydney Water site is located between the historic cattle tanks and labyrinth and is set to be sold off.
Campbelltown MP Greg Warren, pictured, is urging the Berejiklian Government to think about the community of Campbelltown not state government coffers.
He wants the land sold to Campbelltown Council for $1 in order to preserve the heritage of the site.
“The Hurley Park cattle tanks and silt traps are an incredibly important part of Campbelltown’s history,” Mr Warren said.
“For the best part of five decades in the mid-1800s, the cattle tanks supplied local residents with water.
“The entire precinct has so much historical significance that will be lost if the government slices up the land bit by bit.
“The government has made a lot of money out of stamp duty from Campbelltown residents, as well as selling off public assets,” he said.
“In 2015 the state government sold off prime real estate on Cordeaux Street – previously a health centre for the local community – for $4 million.
“For the past nine years this greedy government has taken a lot from Campbelltown, so it’s time it gave something back.
“A Hurley Park precinct owned entirely by the community that features restored cattle tanks and silt traps, the labyrinth and plenty of green grass, would certainly be an asset to be proud of.”
