18 June 2014

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has welcomed the NSW Government Budget commitment to a proposed dam at Needles Gap on the Belubula River near Cowra.

NSW Treasurer Andrew Constance has confirmed  $1 million in the 2014-15 financial year for a feasibility and scoping study into the project.

“This is huge new infrastructure for the Cowra district. Wyangala Dam was opened more than 80 years ago and there hasn’t been a big dam built locally since then,” Mr Taylor said.

“I know how much dams can transform agricultural regions and add to valuable electricity supply. Having grown up in the shadow of the Snowy Mountains Scheme I fully appreciate the growth opportunities ahead for the region from this scale of infrastructure investment.”

Mr Taylor said the Needles Gap Dam would have 90,000 ML of capacity.

“I’m keen we make the most of this - for irrigation as well as electricity generation.

“I will actively play a role in ensuring the broader Cowra region gets the most out of this project.”

Mr Taylor also welcomed news that the NSW Government would be fully funding pensioner concessions for NSW services.

“There was a fair bit of uncertainty amongst pension card holders in my electorate and it’s fitting that the State Government has stepped up to end pensioners’ concerns and fully fund pensioner concessions for services run by the State.”