THE prospect of a dam at Mole River has inched a step closer with the Federal Government committing funds for a feasibility study.
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Member for New England Barnaby Joyce made the announcement on Friday that the Coalition would pledge funds to undertake the study, hinging on being re-elected.
“Water is wealth and a dam is a bank. The Coalition Government is committed to delivering jobs and economic growth right around Australia. Investing in water infrastructure is a tangible way to deliver on that commitment,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce said.
Mr Joyce announced that $550,000 will be put toward assessing the feasibility of damming the Mole, potentially delivering greater water security to irrigators in the Border Rivers catchment.
He said the study will look at the practicality of a new dam that will increase water security in the Tenterfield and Border Rivers catchment for local communities and farmers.
“Border Rivers water users are currently served by three small dams and there are a number of potential large dam sites in the valley that have been identified in the past. A new storage would have the potential to secure more water to carry communities and agriculture through dry times.”
Member for Lismore Thomas George praised the work of Mr Joyce and Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall.
“It’s been indicated to me that this has been on the agenda for a long time.
“This was certainly moving forward well before Tenterfield became part of my [Lismore] electorate,” Mr George said.
While the potential project has long had its detractors, Mr George said it would be a shot in the arm for agricultural industry across the region.
“No doubt this will boost the wider community and be a great boost for agriculture in the area,” he said.
In May, MP Adam Marshall led a delegation of irrigators to seek Mr Joyce’s assistance in fleshing out the idea.
“A dam on the Mole River, should it prove feasible, will enhance water security by ensuring the downstream irrigators are not solely dependent on storing water from high river flows in their own dams.
“Irrigated agriculture is a huge source of revenue and food security for this country, but irrigators are under increasing climatic and regulatory pressure.
“Governments need to think boldly and strategically about how we ensure the longevity and productivity of some of our nation’s most important primary industries.”
