The motion, moved by Cr Robert Booth, wants to take the policy to the NSW Government “in view of the increasing likelihood that it will not proceed”.

“The dam proposal was announced amid much controversy in 2006 and the government anticipated a quick assessment and approval process under Part 3A planning provisions,” Cr Booth said.

“Since then there has been significant and sustained doubt relating to justification, socio-economic analysis, geological integrity, costings and drought scenarios.

“With much of the land under NSW Government ownership, an opportunity exists to present large-scale sustainable forestry, agricultural, alternative energy and tourist-based partnerships for the site to ensure the shire is well positioned for continued sustainable economical growth from ventures suited to the prime rural landscape and natural amenity.”

Cr Joe Thompson supported the motion saying council needs to have something in place in case the dam doesn’t go ahead.

“We need to start the ball rolling and present something . . . the kind of uses this land can be used for.

“We should be telling the government what should be done with this parcel of land.

“We need to put ourselves in a position with a long-term vision of what we want for that parcel of land.”

Cr Glenn Wall spoke against the motion saying no form of policy direction has been received from the Opposition.

“Hunter Water and the state government do not have a reversal policy as they believe the dam will go ahead,” he said.

“They have spent in excess of $100 million in land up there and they can put it into one big block and subdivide it into 160 hectare blocks which is permissible under the LEP.”

Cr Thompson there was no reason why council can’t have a reversal policy.

“Here is a motion seeking the development of a vision for the area,” he said.

“We need to provide a starting point if the land isn’t used for a dam.”

His comments were support by Cr Peter Ainsworth who said it was a chance to put a vision forward if it “was knocked on the head”.

“ . . . things that will help us in the current economic climate.”

Council manager of planning Matthew Brown said if the dam doesn’t proceed the land will revert to rural land.

Councillors Glenn Wall, Lea Mitchell and Stephen Farrow voted against the motion.