PULLING the Apsley River Dam project out of mothballs could have far-reaching effects for the regional economy, according to New England MP Barnaby Joyce.
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Mr Joyce yesterday welcomed the support of a number of Tamworth councillors for the project – which has lain dormant for more than three decades – to be resurrected.
The Apsley proposal, east of Walcha, is one of about 30 projects to come out of the Prime Minister’s Water Infrastructure Ministerial Working Group, chaired by Mr Joyce, to be studied for further discussion.
Mr Joyce said growth in the agricultural sector depended on the sustainable use of natural resources and the right water infrastructure in the right places.
“Water is wealth and stored water is a bank. It’s vitally important therefore that our water infrastructure, in terms of storage and irrigation capacity, keeps pace with the needs of the nation, including farmers, industry, mining and regional communities and the cities,” he said.
Mr Joyce said irrigation contributed to 28 per cent of Australia’s agricultural production in 2012-13.
Part of the Apsley Dam project was to lift water back into the Macdonald River to run it west into the Namoi River.
There was also discussion regarding a lift from the Macdonald into the Cockburn and running water from Apsley through Tamworth.
Deputy mayor Russell Webb and Cr Juanita Wilson both spoke on Tuesday night about the need for council to throw its support behind the Apsley proposal.
Cr Wilson told her fellow councillors they should regard Apsley as a long-term objective.
“We should use every political advantage we have,” Cr Wilson said.