THE green tinge across the Walcha countryside could deceive any passer-by, because despite much needed rain having come to the region, its main water supply - the MacDonald River - has stopped flowing.
The locals are therefore keen to see the dam proposed for the Apsley River (a perennial stream in the Macleay River catchment) in the Agricultural Competitiveness Green Paper go ahead, as they feel it will bring far more security to the small New England town.
"It'll make a huge difference to us," said Walcha Shire Council mayor Janelle Archdale.
Good rain in the past couple of weeks filled some dams on farms, but the town of Walcha itself is still considering level four water restrictions as the MacDonald River, which supplies the town's water, ran dry twice this year, for the first time since 1966.
"We're in the worst water state we've been in for some time," said Mrs Archdale (pictured).
The Apsley Dam would provide water security for the town, irrigation options for farmers and employment benefits for the area during its construction, she said.
Roderick Makim
Senior journalist for The Land.
Senior journalist for The Land.
