A Senate Estimates hearing has revealed that a submission for a new water supply for Barraba has not been included on Infrastructure Australia’s priority list.

The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams questioned Infrastructure Australia Coordinator Michael Deegan about the funding process for the Barraba scheme which has been lodged by the Barraba Community Development Group.

Mr.Deegan said the $7 billion budget from the first round of funding has already been allocated to projects and no money remained in this round for Barraba.

Senator Williams said Mr.Deegan indicated that all applications are considered against several criteria and all will be considered when this year’s Budget allocation is announced.

“I pressed the case of Barraba and the urgent need for a pipeline to be constructed from Split Rock Dam.

The Barraba community has battled with an inadequate supply of water for far too long. The time for this project to go ahead is now.

For Barraba and other regional communities to grow, a decent water supply is essential”, Senator Williams said.