A proposal to build a 6 megalitre holding dam on the outskirts of Gloucester would be welcomed with open arms, a MidCoast councillor has predicted.
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The dam, which would be filled during periods of peak flow in the Barrington River, is part of a new water security plan developed in the wake of last year's devastating drought.
"One of the things we found out during the drought was not only were farmers unable to get water for their stock but they were unable to get water for themselves because most of them are on tank water," MidCoast councillor Len Roberts said.
"Our goal is to improve overall water security across the shire."
The town survived on water carted in from the Tea Gardens aquifer.
Hunter Water is also looking to improve the Lower Hunter's Water security.
It is presently investigating the viability of constructing an off-stream storage at either Chichester or Limeburners Creek.
A decision on whether the project will proceed is expected next year.
In addition to dam infrastructure, planning is also underway to connect the water supplies of the Central Coast, Lower Hunter, Upper Hunter and Mid North Coast.
MidCoast Council also plans to construct a water reservoir in Gloucester.
The council is seeking federal government support for both water storage projects.
"Everyone up here cares about having clean water and a clean environment," Cr Roberts said.
"I don't think anyone who experienced the last drought would say improved water security is a bad thing."
The council recently secured $8.5 million for critical works as part of its emergency response to drought in regional NSW.
Water Minister Melinda Pavey said the funding was in addition to over $1.55 million already provided and would support the council in the development of a suite of drought response projects across the shire.
"Until recently, the mid coast of NSW was struggling through the most severe drought on record for the region," she said.
"One of the key projects this funding will support is the expansion of the Nabiac bore field and the Nabiac water treatment plant.
"While rainfall since January has seen storages filled and water restrictions lifted, this project will diversify water supplies, reducing the reliance on surface water supplies and future risks of water supply failures."
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