The irrigation and hydro-electric power-generating potential
of sites inland from Dunback is back on the radar.
An investigation in 2006 decided a dam on the river would be
uneconomic but a meeting last week, attended by 45 people,
resolved unanimously to investigate harvesting water from the
Shag River.
Dunback hotelier Don McLenaghen, who organised the meeting,
said setting up a small power station on the river was being
considered.
A dam was investigated at Pinesite, inland from Dunback, in
June 2006 but it was considered too expensive, with
irrigation costs estimated at between $10,000 and $10,500 a
hectare.
A proposed hydro-electric power station at the dam was
considered by TrustPower to be uneconomic but both options
were being re-investigated by engineers, Mr McLenaghen said.
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