Before then, a massive flood washed through in 1974.

On both occasions, the damage bill was enormous.

He then began campaigning for a levee back in near Eunony Bridge that would mean no others in North Wagga, Oura or Gumly Gumly would suffer a similar fate.

Now his plan is coming one step closer, with Saturday’s community consultation to be held on the banks of the would-be North Wagga lake. 

“A levee bank there would take floodwater around Wagga and away from the urban areas that face a lot of flooding,” Mr Campbell said.

“Putting it in would fix the problem once and for all.”

Following the initial catalyst, Mr Campbell began to circulate his plans, and a small group became the driving force behind the idea.

But he quickly found that among the community, a groundswell was on the brink of forming.

“Everybody is saying we [have to] have this,” he said.

“Particularly in Gumly and North Wagga, there’s no question of the support for it.”

Now Mr Campbell is hopeful the weekend’s meeting will be attract the city’s decision makers.

“When people see the site for themselves they get a much clearer idea of why it is so important,” he said.