UPGRADING Dungowan Dam and building a Chaffey Dam pipeline are "commonsense solutions" to solving Tamworth's long-term water security, Jeff Bacon says.
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The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate called for a multi-faceted approach as he released his water policy.
"One of our central policies is to build more dams and I support the upgrade of Dungowan Dam," Mr Bacon said.
"The second catchment is the only way forward, in my opinion."
When water is released from Chaffey, as much as 50 per cent is lost before it reaches Calala Water Treatment Plant.
Given an upgraded Dungowan Dam would need a bigger pipeline, Mr Bacon said it would be the perfect time to also build a Chaffey pipeline and connect the two.
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"We need to look for efficiency gains, and if we can halve the current releases to the treatment plant, this is a step in the right direction," Mr Bacon said.
"A new pipeline from Chaffey Dam to Calala Water Treatment Plant is a must, and in part would be critical to any future Dungown Dam upgrade."
Mr Bacon also flagged upgrading water treatment plants across the electorate and using "a mix of treated and recycled water in our homes".
“We could save up to a quarter of household water usage by embracing sustainable and innovative recycling methods in new subdivisions," he said.
"Some cities in Australia are leading the way with localised treatment plants, treating and recycling storm- and grey water, connecting new subdivisions and using designated taps in the gardens and the home.
"I have taken this to Tamworth mayor Col Murray, who has agreed that an innovative approach is part of the solution."
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson has called for Chaffey Dam to be upgraded by a further 20 per cent to secure the city's water supply.
However, Mr Bacon said his approach was a far more thorough solution than what he called a vague promise from Mr Anderson.
“I believe my ideas are part of the solution and the multi-faceted approach that should be taken to solving this problem," Mr Bacon said
"If the National Party is not prepared to step up, they should step aside and let SFF move the region forward."
Jamieson Murphy
Newcastle Herald news director and business reporter. Interested in any and all yarns. Whisper g'day mate to me at jamieson.murphy@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Newcastle Herald news director and business reporter. Interested in any and all yarns. Whisper g'day mate to me at jamieson.murphy@austcommunitymedia.com.au
