8 Oct 2015

Proposed dam may double annual profits, says govt

1:32 pm on 8 October 2015

The government says the proposed Waimea Community Dam near Nelson would deliver major economic benefits through the potential to double annual profits from the catchment.

A dry Waimea River by the Appleby Bridge.

A dry Waimea River by the Appleby Bridge. Photo: Tasman District Council

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy is in Nelson today to deliver a report on freshwater management on the Waimea Plains.

He said the report showed building the dam would secure the area's water supply and increase profits from $14.5 million annually, to nearer $30m.

The Tasman District Council allocated $25m in this year's long term plan to the expected $80m project, which has drawn criticism from other water users and rate payers.

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