Budget To Start Dam Pipeline

Newcastle Herald

Monday May 8, 2006

By FRANCES THOMPSON Upper Hunter Reporter

UPPER Hunter Shire Council's 2006-07 budget focus is on bringing clean water from Glenbawn dam to the residents of Scone and Aberdeen.

With parts of the shire still on water restrictions and the region officially in drought, the council hopes to begin work on the $12 million water augmentation scheme this financial year.

The towns are being supplied with water directly from the Hunter River after underground aquifers dried up.

General manager Daryl Dutton said the Glenbawn project depended on a State Government subsidy of up to $6 million.

Mr Dutton said the council's application for the subsidy was being considered.

The council increased water rates over the past six years to raise money for the project and had $2 million in reserve.

The proposed new pipeline from the dam will be able to supply water for a proposed private irrigation district similar to those operating in Pokolbin and Broke-Fordwich.

The council wants the water to be used to develop high-value, intensive agriculture to generate economic development.

Mr Dutton said the council's budget for 2006-07 was $42 million.

The council would not seek to increase rates above the pegged 3.6 per cent yearly rise, he said.

© 2006 Newcastle Herald

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