FIGHT TO KEEP FUNDING FOR DAM INFRASTRUCTURE

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, says he’s begun talks surrounding water infrastructure following last week’s budget.

$75-million was recommitted for the Dungowan Dam upgrade, but with cost estimates over $400-million there are concerns.

Mr Joyce thinks it could be better spent in upgrading Chaffey Dam.

“I would have preferred Dungowan Dam but the one thing I don’t want to do is lose the funding, if we lose the funding good luck getting it back.”

It’s something he says needs to be prioritised to cater for Tamworth’s growing population.

“The city of Tamworth needs to see that it is heading towards 100,000 people and it’s going to get there a lot quicker than anybody expects.”

NOTE: AUDIO IN PARTS ONLY