John Cobb (Calare, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise in the House today to speak about the importance of water security and, in particular, keeping up the momentum of the establishment of the dam in inland New South Wales.

I spoke out 2½ years ago, as it had become clear it was necessary to plan for a water solution and more storage for the Central West of New South Wales. Former deputy premier, Andrew Stoner, contacted me full of support and made the idea grow closer to a reality.

Cranky Rock has been deemed an appropriate site for New South Wales to do serious feasibility studies, and today I remind the House of the importance of the project. A dam of this magnitude will alleviate further droughts, improve agriculture and mining security and sustain their productivity, as well as that of the Central West LGAs and water users.

This will be the first serious inland dam built in New South Wales for more than 30 years, which is exciting and necessary for the future of the Central West. The success of this project will lift the spirits and determination of the Central West, and will inspire all of regional Australia. We have progressed to the second stage of investigations. The state government is currently leading the way on this vital project and will need the federal government to do the same when the feasibility studies are completed.