MOMENTUM is building to get the building of Urannah dam under way.

The proposed dam has been on the back burner for many decades with more than 17 feasibility studies leading to no progress.

However, numerous local figures have thrown support behind the project including Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson and Whitsunday Mayor Andrew Willcox.

Whitsunday MP Jason Costigan said a viable pathway was emerging.

"I think there is a way forward now, because there is political will and a lot more engagement and a sharper focus on water security and having water for agricultural projects, mining projects and eco tourism,” he said.

"People are sick and tired of study after study and politicians crapping on about this and that.”

The Federal Government has earmarked $3 million toward pre-construction planning work, expected to take 18 months, however it is unclear where the State Government stands.

Queensland Water Supply Minister Mark Bailey wrote to Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce in March, expressing that while the government would forward all applications it received "it would not indicate any formal endorsement for particular projects”.

Dawson MP George Christensen called on the State Government to clarify its position.

"The State Government will have to say definitively whether this will go ahead and money needs to be put on the table,” he said.

Despite growing support, some barriers remain.

Mackay Conservation Group co-ordinator Patricia Julien claimed the dam would not have the desired agriculture outcome.

"I think there is a lot of politics going on getting ready for the state election rather than a well-thought out and researched proposal that would create real jobs for the region,” she said.

"None of the proposed 30,000 hectares of land is rated as strategic cropping land although in parts soils may be suitable for agriculture. It is also mostly covered with mining and gas exploration permits so is unlikely to attract investors in broadscale agriculture.”

If approved Urannah Dam would have a capacity of 1.5 million megalitres - which would be three times the size of Proserpine's Peter Faust Dam.