Paterson MP Bob Baldwin says he will oppose any plans for Tillegra Dam after a draft Coalition discussion paper was leaked last Thursday.
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A leaked federal Coalition paper last week reportedly listed the now defunct Tillegra Dam among 100 dam projects under consideration.
“I’d like to stress that this was a draft paper - no decisions have been made, and no dams have been ruled in or out at this stage,” Mr Baldwin said.
“But I will oppose any plan to build Tillegra Dam.
“I opposed past plans for this project, and I continue to oppose any future plans.”
“The former New South Wales Labor Government started the process of acquiring land and commissioning studies into Tillegra Dam, but the Liberal State Government, under Barry O’Farrell, have ruled out those plans.
“I fully support the position of the current New South Wales Government.
“The area is prime agricultural land. I won’t see a dam put the long tradition of farming practices in the area at risk.
“If, and I stress the word if, Tillegra Dam is put back on the table, the people of the Hunter can count on me to stand up for them and strongly oppose its construction.”
The state government has stood firm against the project which was ruled out in 2010.
Finance minister Greg Pearce said the $377 million dam was “ruled out” as an option.
“It is not on the table,” Mr Pearce said.
Carol Pasenow from the No Tillegra Dam Group said it was a working paper that was leaked to the media and shouldn’t have been.
“However Bob [Baldwin] jumped on it very quickly and dispersed the rumour,” she said.
“It was all a puff of wind really.”