FEDERAL Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has welcomed the approval progress by the NSW Government for plans for the completion of the $43.3 million upgrade of Chaffey Dam.

He said the decision by NSW Planning and Infrastructure to sign off on the development earlier this week was in line with the Chaffey project progressing at a Commonwealth level.

“I’m working hard with the Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt to progress this project and I hope we’ll have some good news soon,” Mr Joyce said.

Mr Joyce said the funding contribution by the Commonwealth was the “result of working flat-out” at a Federal level which, “delivered real and additional money”.

The Mayor of Tamworth Regional Council, Cr Col Murray said the Chaffey Dam Augmentation was currently the most significant and important infrastructure project for the region.

“The efforts of our Federal Member in not only ensuring the funds previously committed by the Australian Government were available following the last election, but also in securing an additional $1.2 Million following the close of the tender, has been critical in guaranteeing the delivery of the project,” Cr Murray said.

“Barnaby also went into bat for the local community to ensure the environmental issues surrounding the endangered Boorolong Frog were dealt with in a timely and common sense manner.

“It is amazing what can be achieved when the three tiers of Government work closely together and the Federal Government have certainly delivered on their part of the bargain."