The $50,000 feasibility study, which was commissioned by council in December, investigated what impact a weir would have on water supply and security in the Tamworth region.

Hunter H2O and subconsultant SMEC were hired to carry out the study, and found weirs would be emptied within days in the case of a drought, even if demand fell to 20 megalitres per day or less.

"The report notes that the Peel River has a large flow relative to the demand, with flow exceeding the average daily demand on 77 per cent of days, further suggesting, the installation of weirs is not warranted in terms of improvement to water security," council business papers read.

If councillors vote in favour of the recommendation not to pursue the weirs, it will also save TRC a significant amount of money, with construction for each one estimated to be around $11 million.

That valuation also did not take into account any required environmental or heritage offsets, land purchase costs, diversion works, procurement, additional design work or contractor profit.

Three locations were looked at: weir one was proposed to be adjacent to Kable Avenue upstream of the Goonoo Goonoo Creek junction; weir two upstream of the Oxley Highway crossing; and weir three adjacent to Darling Street - with the latter two being downstream of the junction.

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Weir two would have had the largest amount of storage, capable of holding 72.2ML, followed by weir one (68.1ML) and weir three (50.6ML).

Given its proximity to the water extraction point, weir one was found to have the greatest benefit to the Scott Road wells, however the report stated that would provide little benefit during dry periods.

"All wells have negligible yield improvements during extended period of no-flow river conditions and therefore negligible improvement to groundwater water security," the council papers stated.

All locations were deemed likely to increase flood levels, although it was stated they would have a 'negligible impact' and would not affect surrounding properties.

Given the cost and limited positive outcomes, the council is being strongly recommended not to take the matter any further at this stage.

"Based on the limited water yield improvements and high construction costs of the weir, it is recommended that council not proceed with any further work on a possible weir in the Peel River at this time," it read.

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