Bega Water Treatment Plant moving forward

Construction is underway on the new Bega-Tathra Water Treatment and Filtration Plant which is set to deliver world-class drinking water to some 8,000 South Coast locals.

The new infrastructure is being delivered thanks to $15.2 million from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program and $5.6 million from Bega Valley Shire Council.

Council is also funding the installation of 300 kilowatt solar panels to power the plant to reduce the region’s carbon footprint, making it one of the most environmentally friendly water treatment projects in the state.

The new plant will help support the estimated one million visitors who come to the Bega Valley each year and unlock more economic opportunities in the region.

Water treatment specialists Laurie Curran Water Pty Ltd won the design and construct tender last year, with work expected to be completed by February 2025.

The $20.8 million project also includes the new high-tech operations centre next door that was completed last year and brings all of Council’s water and sewerage services under one roof.

The Safe and Secure Water Program is supporting more than $1 billion worth of projects across the state, with more than 250 in various stages of delivery.

Quotes attributable to Lisa Hingerty, Executive Director of Development – Water, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water:

“Access to safe and reliable water is a basic human right. We know there have been water quality issues in this region such as iron and manganese causing discolouration which is why we’ve made this state-of-the-art plant a priority.

“The facility will supply up to 9.5 megalitres of filtered water each day to residents and businesses for the first time, providing significant public health benefits and replacing the existing one-step chlorination treatment system that was built over 30 years ago.

“South Coast locals are under no illusions about the future challenges for water security due to drought and a changing climate which is why we’re fully committed to this project.

“Investing in high quality water is a no-brainer and we’re excited to see this important development break ground.”

Quotes attributable to Russell Fitzpatrick, Bega Valley Shire Mayor:

“The new Bega-Tathra Water Treatment Plant will be able to meet the area’s drinking needs until at least 2046, supporting a growing population and peak tourism periods.

“It’s not being done in isolation either. We’re working closely with the NSW Government to upgrade water services right across the Bega Valley including the recently delivered Brogo-Bermagui Water Treatment Plant, a facility in Yellow Pinch by 2027 and the Council-funded Bemboka plant.”