Cr Neil Penning led the charge in arguing that Goulburn Mulwaree Council should not do any more preconstruction work on the Wingecarribee pipeline until "independent cost benefit" studies are completed on that project and the suggested Pejar to Sooley Dam pipeline.

Debate on the motion went ahead despite question marks on its validity raised by general manager Luke Johnson.

Newly elected Mayor Carol James declared it a "matter of urgency" to allow discussion to proceed.

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