Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman says construction to raise Wyangala Dam wall is expected to take four years before it can fill with water.
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She also said construction cannot begin until the relevant approvals including the environmental impact statement are completed in 2021.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said in February that the dam delivery team, which sits within WaterNSW, was aiming to have "shovels in the ground later this year".
However, those shovels would be for pre-works such as access roads, Mrs Tuckerman said.
"So there is time to manage the challenges and deliver the project for the best outcome with our communities and landholders in mind," she said.
Landowners that could be threatened by a new high water level, including Bigga Fishing Club, are still waiting to be consulted.
Community engagement was supposed to begin before the end of 2019, WaterNSW told the Gazette in October. However, that has fallen behind.
The dam delivery team was waiting to complete its mapping of the new inundation line - where the water will reach when the dam is full - before contacting community members, Mrs Tuckerman said.
'While we understand that raising the dam wall will inundate areas, the mapping of exactly what will be impacted has not been finalised.'
- Wendy Tuckerman MP
Some mapping had been done by Weddin Mapping Solutions, however it was independent of the project and unofficial.
"While we understand that raising the dam wall will inundate areas, the mapping of exactly what will be impacted has not been finalised," Mrs Tuckerman said. "I am expecting this in September."
While the community rightfully had a lot of questions, ministers and the dam delivery team were waiting for the detailed assessments to be completed to ensure they could answer them correctly, she said.
Mrs Tuckerman said that community information sessions would likely be held around April or May.
"There are extensive on-ground assessments and investigations that need to be understood before any particulars will be forecast," she said. "Councils affected (including Upper Lachlan Shire and Hilltops) have been requested to identify their infrastructure and assets nearby Wyangala.
"While early discussions have occurred with the Wyangala Waters Caravan Park - due to being right on the water - other property and asset owners will be contacted directly after these preliminary modelling has been completed."
- Email wyangalaproject@waternsw.com.au or Mrs Tuckerman will make representations for constituents if they visit her office at 167-169 Auburn Street, Goulburn. Call 4822 6444.
