The state of Ogunbil Road and its ability to carry the load of multiple large vehicles in the construction phase of the half-a-billion dollar project, weighed heavily on the minds of locals at an information session on Wednesday.

WaterNSW environmental planning and approvals manager Lara Hess told the residents a detailed traffic management plan would be put together.

An audit of all roads within the scope of the project will be undertaken six months before construction starts.

The Dungowan Dam project won't go ahead until a detailed business case is presented to the state and federal governments for the final sign off.

About 25 people attended the meeting, among them Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) mayor Col Murray, deputy mayor Phil Betts and water and waste director Bruce Logan.

The new dam is "only a puddle" in the scheme of things, but the 7GL allocated to the council represents two-thirds of the city's yearly water use, Cr Murray said.

"This is not the overall solution for our water security long-term, but it's the best option we have on the table," he said.

The project will be undertaken in four stages.

The first includes powerline infrastructure and upgrades to existing roads; the second is to build coffer dams, quarries, dam access roads, a diversion tunnel and the pipeline from the new Dungowan Dam to the showgrounds.

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In stage three the main embankment will be built, along with intake towers and the spillway that's expected to be 350m long and requires up to 80,000 cubic metres of concrete.

The last stage involves commissioning the new dam, decommissioning the old and starting to rehabilitate the site.

At least 140 workers will be needed and WaterNSW is looking at existing housing options, along with the potential for a dedicated accommodation camp and possible site tours for the public.

The entire project will take four to six years to build.

More public consultation sessions will be held on May 13 at the IBIS Styles in Tamworth from 9am to 11:30am and 12:30pm to 3pm, the public can register with WaterNSW.

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