Tasman District Council has voted to go ahead with the controversial Waimea dam.
The $100 million project has been billed as a lifeline for the district by supporters.
Nelson MP Nick Smith says the last hurdle now is the local Bill he's sponsoring to access the land. He hopes it will pass by Christmas, so construction can begin in the New Year.
There has been vocal opposition to the project, with some locals fearing it'll be a money sink for ratepayers.
"Today you choose whether to support democracy or whether to support greed," Golden Bay resident Louise Coleman told councillors at a tense public forum on Friday, RNZ reported.
Mayor Kempthorne says it's now time for everyone to get behind the plans.
"I think it would be really great if people can actually accept we'll just walk together on this journey now
The dam has been nearly two decades in the planning. Already reportedly $15 million has been spent on it.
The council took seven hours to come to its decision, voting 9-5 in favour.
Construction of the dam is expected to start in 2019.
Newshub.
