However, the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party accused the government of using the study as a "stalling tactic", in the hope "flooding rain" would wash away the problem.

The NSW government is unwilling to fund any large water projects in the Namoi and Peel valleys until it finishes a study, which is due to be completed by the end of 2020.

However, Mr Anderson said he'd put in a request to Water Minister Melinda Pavey, asking for that deadline to be moved forward.

"We can't afford to wait, it has to happen as soon as possible," Mr Anderson said.

"I've asked [for it to be expedited]. Her department is working on that as we speak.

"I'm open to all suggestions, and I'll be guided by the engineers and experts. Whatever the solution is, it has to be the right one because we'll probably only get one chance at it."

READ MORE WATER PRESSURE STORIES

Tamworth SFF spokesman Jeff Bacon questioned why Mr Anderson pushed to raise Chaffey Dam by 20 per cent during the state election, if the government had to wait for the outcome of a study before acting.

"The engineering has been done and the funds are available through the Snow Hydro sale," Mr Bacon said.

"As far as I'm aware, it could start tomorrow. The question has got to be asked why that hasn't started? Why do we need to wait for the study?

"There is a healthy and growing scepticism that the government is delaying with stalling tactics, with the hope of flooding rain."

When Mr Anderson was asked if the government had taken too long to start the study, he replied: "Hindsight is a fabulous thing, but the priority is to get this sorted as quickly as possible".

Want to have your say? Click here to write a letter to the editor