The NSW Premier says his government is committed to dam plans others have deemed “duds”. 

An Upper House committee has looked into plans for the Mole River Dam project near the Queensland border and the proposed expansion of Wyangala Dam near Cowra. 

The costs of the Wyangala proposal have reportedly blown out to as much as $2.1 billion, while the Mole River project is opposed by many nearby landholders.

The inquiry concluded that more research is needed to assess the merits of the proposals, questioning whether the Dungowan and Mole River projects were worth the estimated costs.

Greens MLC Cate Faehrmann said the government’s delay in producing business cases for the projects shows that they did not stack up.

“These dams were set to provide marginal – if any – increases in water security at an outrageous price,” Ms Faehrmann said.

“These National Party duds have been a terrible idea from the outset.”

A spokesperson for NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey has told reporters that the Wyangala Dam wall raising remains a critical piece of infrastructure.

“The government is committed to completing the final business case and environmental impact statement as quickly as possible,” the spokesperson said.

In budget estimates this week, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet rejected suggestions the projects will be shelved.

“I'm not sure that is the case,” he said.

The Premier said he had not seen Upper House report.

“I have not seen the business cases, they've not come to cabinet,” Mr Perrottet said.

“When they do come to cabinet I'll consider them alongside my colleagues.”