Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce was joined by Member for the Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall, and Mayor of Walcha Shire Council, Clr Eric Noakes to turn the sod on the $11 million 300 megalitre Off Stream storage project at Walcha to help drought-proof the town’s water supply.

This project was announced last year by former Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce, with $2 million coming from the National Water Grid Fund and $9 million from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program.

The new storage dam is being built on a small tributary of the MacDonald River, 16 kilometres from the existing water treatment infrastructure.

The project also includes upgrading a river offtake pumping station, upgrades to the water inlet structure, new access roads and fencing, and new pipework to connect the dam to the nearby town water supply pump station.

Mr Joyce, who is also Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, said the project is expected to be finished by the middle of next year.

“It was fantastic to announce the approval of the Walcha Off Stream Storage project last year, and to be here today to see dirt actually moved on the project is the icing on the cake.”

“I am fighting every day to secure water security for the New England, stopping extensive water restrictions as we drought-proof the electorate.

“This project is so important for Walcha, giving current and future businesses ease of mind should we face another drought,” Mr Joyce said.