Frequently Asked Questions

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Don’t we need the Tillegra Dam for population growth?

No. Population growth for the Hunter has been exaggerated.
The Urban Taskforce, an independent review team, recognised there are easier and more cost effective ways of supplying water to any increased population in the Lower Hunter, as did the Institute for Sustainable Futures in their report: An independent review of the need for Tillegra dam

I heard that developers will be paying  some of the cost, is this true?

No. The State Government cancelled the developer contribution for the dam. Hunter water users will pay for the dam.

Is it true we are already paying for the Tillegra Dam?

Yes, Hunter Water rate payers started paying for the Tillegra Dam late in 2009 and the proposed dam has still not been approved.  Read our mock bill here >>

Isn’t Tillegra Dam for the Central Coast?

When Morris Iemma announced the Tillegra Dam in late 2006, he said it was for the residents of the Central Coast. Since then, the residents and councils of the Central Coast have secured their own water supply through the Mardi-Mangrove link.

What are the environmental impacts of the Tillegra Dam?

The dam threatens the habitat of the many native species that thrive in the pristine rivers system – platypus, long-necked turtles, crayfish and many species of fish. The flooding will also destroy land-based habitat for other species including possums and rare Spotted Tailed quolls. The negative effects of the dam will be felt in downstream waters throughout the Hunter Estuary.

Australia’s wetlands are key contributors to a healthy environment, cleansing our water, providing vital habitat for plants and animals, supporting the food chain and soaking up floods. A dam would destroy this delicate environment, taking away the home of dozens of native Australian species.

Is Tillegra Dam the only way to secure the water supply of the Hunter while we are faced with climate change?

No. The scientific modeling that has come from both the Department of Environment and Climate Change and the Newcastle University shows that the Hunter will more likely have an increase in rainfall and annual runoff as a result of climate change.

Is Tillegra Dam the only way to drought-proof the Hunter Valley?

No. The Lower Hunter is the only urban region in Australia without water restrictions. Current water storages are over 93%. The volume of water that would be stored in Tillegra Dam would give us an absurd and unnecessary level of water supply.

Hunter Water have stated that there are no alternatives to building Tillegra Dam, is this true?

No. Everywhere else in the world people have brought in new technologies and water saving regulations instead of building massive dams. We can do it too—and it will cost less. Hunter Water themselves have stated that: “building a new dam at Tillegra would be far less cost effective than many demand management and water conservation initiatives”. This is a quote from their Integrated Water Resource Plan printed in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.