But it appears not much has changed from the testy talk that came out of the original argument, over Westbank Rd and its intended closure when the upgraded and augmented dam is completed.

The row over the road at the back end of the dam near Woolomin simmered, heated up, cooled down – but now would appear to be heading for boiling point again.

MP Kevin Anderson and Tamworth Regional Council look like trading blows again with their paddles; at least, the council has now taken up its oars, saying there’s no way it will be left up the creek without the proverbial.

The council has been waiting for Mr Anderson, as the state member, to talk to Water NSW, the minister, even the department and try to forge a compromise over the closure, which local landholders are protesting about.

The realigned higher road, with a connecting bridge, was costed at $6.5 million by the state government three years ago and originally part of the plans but subsequently became a casualty in a budget blowout.

The council believes the government should meet the bill for the road realignment to keep it open, because it was their decision to cut it from the budget.

The council says it’s frustrated by the state government’s resistance to take responsibility and, in November, wrote to Mr Anderson asking him to lobby the government for the community.

The mayor and the council say they’re disappointed at Mr Anderson’s efforts so far and he’s simply been the mailman rather than a lobbyist.

Now they’re apparently writing another letter to Mr Anderson, asking him to be more proactive on their part – and that of the ratepayers and residents.

Already the mayor has slammed the MP for suggesting city ratepayers should find more money to rebuild the road up the hill, while the mayor argued the MP should be tackling his state government ministers for the money because it was their project and their dam.

They believe there’s a cheaper option out there, but getting the players down at the table is proving to be a really hard track. For the sake of everyone, let’s hope the potholes won’t turn into speed bumps that become non-negotiable.