Mr Ray McMahon, whose shed has been the subject of a major controversy over several years, said that the attempt to destroy his shed was a vicious attack.

Mr McMahon said he found a magnifying glass strategically placed against the timber southern wall of the shed on January 17.

He said it was placed in dry grass, so that the glass would catch the afternoon sun and ignite the shed.

The shed houses a collection of vintage machinery and vehicles.

Mr McMahon said he is unsure of when the glass was placed near the shed.

After alerting Oberon police and after several witnesses observed the glass, Mr McMahon found another magnifying glass placed against the wall of the shed on the following Saturday, January 24. He said the second magnifying glass also in dry grass but on the eastern wall, catching the full morning and noon sun.

Mr McMahon said that the shed is of tremendous historical importance to the town and that the vehicles and machinery that it houses are valuable.

Mr McMahon said he is also concerned for the safety of his family home and the other sheds owned by his family.

Mr McMahon said he is offering a $5000 reward for information leading to the prosecution of the offenders.

Oberon police have been informed of these events.