Last week’s Federal Budget saw this 8-year-old Government finally give in to pressure from the Eurobodalla Shire and South Coast MPs Kristy McBain, Member for Eden-Monaro and Fiona Phillips, Member for Gilmore, to fund the Eurobodalla Southern Water Storage project.

Both MPs have been calling on the Federal Government to fund the project and welcome the $51.2 million spending commitment. The project is a massive win for Eurobodalla communities and is expected to provide 3 gigalitres of water storage to local residents and businesses.

“While I welcome the Government’s decision to finally commit to funding the project, it should not have to take an election year budget for the Government to support our regional communities,” said Ms McBain.

“Communities in the Eurobodalla have been in desperate need of a new permanent water solution for years, during which time they have suffered from concurrent droughts and bushfires. Why has it taken so long to support such a vital project?”

Ms McBain has been a champion of this project both in her role as Federal Member for Eden-Monaro and as the Deputy Chair of the Canberra Region Joint Organisation.

Ms Phillips said “It’s excellent so see that this project will finally receive federal funding. As the federal Member for Gilmore, I have fought long and hard for this project to receive funding”.

“Adequate water storage is a basic necessity. We’ve seen how important water storage is during the drought and bushfires. The increased water capacity will make a substantial difference to local resident’s lives”, said Mrs Phillips.

Initial construction of the pump station along the Tuross River is planned to be completed early next year along with the clearing of the dam site. The project will be jointly funded by Federal, State and Local Governments.

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