Heated exchange ahead of decision on controversial $105m dam near Nelson - 'how's he allowed in?'

The heat is on Tasman District councillors today, who are deciding whether to go ahead with the construction of the Waimea Community Dam.

The controversial project, now estimated to cost $105.8 million, was voted down in August, but resurrected a week later when a revised funding model was put to the council.

Today’s meeting began with a commotion outside the council chambers, where some members of the public objected at having to be seated in the foyer, as seating inside the chamber was at capacity.

Security was present with one man given a warning by a council staff member that he’d be trespassed.

Both supporters and opponents of the dam addressed councillors ahead of their decision.

Many of the speakers opposed to the project said they weren’t “anti-dam” but were against its financial model and its impact on ratepayers.

“There’s been no full cost benefit analysis done that apportions public and private costs and benefits in a way that is justified or fair,” said Roger May.

Prominent supporter, Nelson MP Nick Smith argued that a ‘no dam’ decision would be a “tragedy”, given the scale of external funding committed to the project.

He also told council it would be “doing the community a disservice if you throw away the $15 million in public and private investment that has gone into the investigation that has got to the point where we are today”.

A final decision is expected this afternoon.