The $300,000 project is being funded by Orange City Council and includes the installation of sewer lines, stormwater drains, concrete footpaths and the construction of embankment and spillway.

Orange mayor Reg Kidd said the detention basin – an open area which houses storm water and allows it to slowly drain away –  was needed because of residential growth in the area.

“The area where the new suburbs of north Orange are being built used to be open farm land,” Cr Reg Kidd said.

“One of the big impacts when lots of roads and driveways are built is that there is much more run-off.

“After a storm, when there’s a sudden increase in the amount of water, this open flat area gives the water somewhere to go.”

Blayney firm CPB Excavations have been awarded the contract to build the basin.

Council’s Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Romano said the project was on track to finish by mid-June, weather permitting.

“The site, including the concrete walking path, has been fenced off during the construction period, and pedestrians will need to use alternative walking routes during the work,” he said.

Working hours will be 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.