PEOPLE power is set to be harnessed to build pressure on the Victorian government to support a Lake Hume weir near Tallangatta.
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The Narrows project has been touted for more than 20 years as a potential economic saviour for the Upper Murray because it would allow for a higher lake water level all year round.
But Towong Council mayor David Wortmann said community support needed to be shown at four forums being held at Tallangatta next Sunday and Monday.
“The business case doesn’t stack up at the moment, so we need to build up community support,” he said.
“There could be things brought up at these information sessions that people haven’t considered before for economic benefit.
“Even people not at Tallangatta think the Narrows project is a good idea, they can see it’s going to bring people to the shire to live.
“It doesn’t matter if they’re at Corryong, Mitta or Walwa they can see benefits of more ratepayers and more money.”
A feasibility assessment by Towong Council has found high capital costs, water evaporation and running costs for the Narrows would outweigh economic benefits.
Building costs for a weir are estimated to range from $64.7 million to $99.6 million, depending on its height and whether it is made of earth or rockfill.
A vehicle bridge built across the weir would need $25.2 million, a fish ladder $5 million and evaporation $7.8 million as a one-off cost.
Annual expenses are estimated to be $110,000 to $125,000.
Up to 34 jobs are tipped to be created during construction.
The meetings at Tallangatta’s memorial hall will be held at 12.30pm and 6.30pm on Sunday and Monday.