Nambucca Shire Council in June this year had its application for $10 million funding from a grant scheme aimed at securing water supplies for towns and cities rejected by the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

The decision not to grant council funding meant the proposed water storage facility or dam project could not proceed due to financial limitations.

Labor’s latest election promise means that a dam to protect the Valley’s water supply is now possible.

The announcement was made earlier this week (17th) by Labor Senator for NSW Michael Forshaw after fierce lobbying by local Labor candidate Paul Sekfy.

“I am very grateful that my strong representations led to this announcement.

“I look forward to working together with the Nambucca Shire Council to progress this vital project for the Nambucca Valley should I be successful at the upcoming federal election,” Mr Sekfy said.

In his announcement speech Senator Forshaw said the Gillard Labor Government was committed to a sustainable Australia, which was why it was investing in water security projects that conserved drinking water supplies and diversified water sources.

Senator Forshaw cited existing groundwater sources and a growing population as the reasons why the Nambucca Valley was vulnerable to drought and climate change.

“To combat this challenge, a 5.5 billion litre water storage and supporting pipeline infrastructure project will be constructed to enable drinking water supplies to be secured for the region.

“Investing in local water security projects is part of Federal Labor’s commitment to supporting a sustainable Australia,” Senator Forshaw said.

The announcement came as a pleasant surprise for Nambucca Shire Council Mayor Rhonda Hoban who was disappointed with the knockback from the grant application.

“Not being able to proceed with the construction of an off-stream water storage facility would mean that it would be irresponsible for council to continue to approve new housing and industry without being able to provide a secure potable water supply during drought conditions,” she said.

“This would obviously affect the Valley’s economy.”