One man is leading the charge for the Federal Government funding to build a large dam in the central western region of New South Wales

Mr John Cobb, the Federal Nationals Member for Calare, wants Canberra’s coffers to rain millions on the plan to build the 90,000 megalitre ‘Needles Gap Dam’ between Canowindra and Mandurama south of Orange.

Mr Cobb says it would be a major win for the region, creating up to 150 jobs during five years worth of construction.

He has called for an initial payment of $3 million to set the idea in motion, with a preliminary feasibility study and assessment of water security in the region.

The local Nationals member says development is being held back across the eight local government areas in the Calare electorate, due he says to the fact there is no water available south of Bathurst.

“I am asking my government for $3 million so the Office of State Water can do the necessary ground work to decide what technical method should be used,” he said.

‘It's very doable.”

“There is a serious water shortage that retards industrial growth, urban growth, agriculture, mining, or an abattoir.”