One of Dubbo's oldest and most iconic buildings is set to undergo remedial work, after funding by the NSW government was announced.
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Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders announced on Tuesday that $193,820 has been allocated to Dubbo Regional Council to repair roofing and damaged eaves at Old Dubbo Gaol as part of the Crown Reserve Improvement Fund.
The works are to be carried out in the female and male cell block roofs, along with the Gaol Hospital/Library to allow for continued safe operation of the tourist attraction.
Mr Saunders admitted the gaol was in need for some repairs.
"Old Dubbo Gaol is not only a wonderful tourist attraction for the region, it is also a state heritage listed building," Mr Saunders said.
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"Staff at the council have come up with some plans to maintain some damaged infrastructure but it is important that the work gets done and allows the building to maintain the appropriate heritage standards.
"In order to to ensure the work could be done, council sought some financial assistance and I'm glad that I have been able to secure that funding."
Dubbo Regional Council mayor Ben Shields welcomed the announcement.
"Following the success of stage one upgrades at Old Dubbo Gaol, I'm really excited to see some more conservation work being carried out at one of our region's most iconic tourist attractions, the Old Dubbo Gaol," Cr Shields said.
"These upgrades will form part of the overall redevelopment of the Old Dubbo Gaol precinct, where there are many exciting projects currently in the works.
"There was a 161 per cent increase in visitation to the Old Dubbo Gaol in January, which really highlights how important it is for us to continue maintaining and upgrading this awesome tourist attraction."
The CRIF supports Crown Land Mangers by providing funding for repairs and maintenance projects, pest and weed control, new recreational infrastructure or environmental initiatives.
The funding aims to benefit the community, boost our economy and contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of NSW.
As a result of the funding, $51.7 million has been invested across 705 from across NSW and 12 are in the Dubbo region including the Gaol.
After opening in 1847 as a functional courthouse lock up facility, the Gaol eventually closed on August 31 1966.
Eight years later, the gaol was re-opened as the tourist attraction it is today, with many original artifacts on display and has long been along with the Taronga Western Plains Zoo one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubbo.
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