No Tillegra Dam Group spokesperson Sally Corbett said Tillegra Dam has become a huge issue in the Hunter.

“It is environmentally destructive, the Williams River will be irreparably damaged and Hunter ratepayers are being slugged already by this absurd proposal in their water rates and it hasn’t been approved yet,” Ms Corbett said.

Federal member for Paterson Bob Baldwin and Greens MP John Kaye oppose construction of the dam and joined concerned Hunter residents on part of their journey walking the length of the Williams River.

Mr Baldwin said while the final decision rested with the State Government he was committed to supporting Hunter residents.

“The large majority of people I have spoken to have grave concerns about the dam, and I pride myself on listening to the whole community,” Mr Baldwin said.

He was concerned a final costing had not been confirmed and that while Hunter residents would not benefit from the dam they would have to pay for it.

The existing infrastructure was also a concern, he said.

“The Federal Government gave $6 million to Dungog Shire Council and it only put a dent in the need for infrastructure,” he said.

“With trucks going up and down the roads the effect is going to be

detrimental.”

The proposed 450 billion litre dam is expected to cost $477 million.

Hunter Water maintains the dam is required to drought-proof the Lower Hunter for at least the next 60 years.