Pipeline the only option for Barraba

Friday, 04 February 2011 12:40

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

Nationals Candidate for the seat of Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, has today confirmed the Coalition, if elected on March 26, will fund a third of the cost of constructing a pipeline from Split Rock Dam to Barraba.

Mr Anderson, in announcing $6.75 million in funding this morning, said it is ''unacceptable'' that the Barraba community has been fighting for a regular supply of water for many years.

"The people of Barraba have relied upon the supply from bores and at times this has proved to be inadequate with the quality and quantity questioned,'' he said. "This unreliable water supply is unacceptable and continues to cause stress and angst in the community. The drain on the bores is also severely impacting on the water table."

"I have met with the Barraba community on many occasions and locals have strongly expressed their concerns that they are impacted adversely by using water extracted from bores. They have reported a significant drop in the quality and supply of water being delivered from these bores.

"This situation has continued for far too long and the time has come to provide this strong spirited community with the reliable water source that it deserves. The only way to fix this problem is to construct a pipeline to carry a reliable water source from Split Rock Dam to the Barraba township. It's time the people were listened to.

The Coalition, if elected to government on March 26, will provide one third the cost or $6.75 million to build a pipeline from Split Rock Dam to Barraba to deliver water to the town. The commitment is dependent upon the Federal Government contributing one third of the cost and Tamworth Regional Council contributing one third of the cost to the project.

"We recognise this community plays a very important role in our region and we believe this infrastructure is vital to the social and economic growth and well being of the Barraba township and surrounds,'' Mr Anderson said.

"We will work closely with Tamworth Regional Council in all stages of the planning and delivery process to ensure that this project is delivered and completed as promised to the Barraba community. The project will commence as soon as possible. The time for waiting is over.

"The NSW Nationals are a strong team with strong ideas and we are focused on returning quality services to local communities in this region."

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