Funding locked in for new Kempsey Sewage Plant and across the North Coast

Kempsey is moving towards having access to a new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant that will secure the region’s future thanks to $7.814 million funding in partnership between the NSW Government and Kempsey Shire Council.

The next phase of work will deliver designs for an upgraded and centralised sewage treatment plant to replace the three existing plants at West Kempsey, South Kempsey and Frederickton which are no longer fit for purpose.

$1,953,500 from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program has now been confirmed to bring this vital piece of infrastructure a step closer to being tender ready, with the remaining $5,860,500 coming from Kempsey Shire Council.

The proposed new Central Kempsey Wastewater Treatment Plant will be able meet future population needs of the region and keep up with stringent national effluent quality requirements.

It will offer a modern and sustainable approach to wastewater management in Kempsey and will improve environmental impacts on the Macleay River and surrounding communities.

The NSW Government is also funding more than $3 million worth of projects across the other parts of the North Coast that will help boost drought resilience and future proof critical water and sewerage services including:

• $2.31 million towards the newly completed $2.62 million Nambucca Drought Response project which has delivered a vital upgrade to Nambucca Shire Council's treatment plant with a high-tech disinfection system to secure the region's safe water supply.
• $392,000 towards the completed $811,000 concept designs and pre-tender works for the Evans Head Sewage Treatment Plant Augmentation as part of Richmond Valley Shire Council’s long-term plans to double the plant's capacity to cater for population growth.
• $230,000 to drill two new bores in Bonalbo with one already commissioned to supplement the town’s existing water supply during drought. The funding also installed two new bores in Tabulam, ready to be commissioned if and when they’re needed.
• $115,000 to deliver detailed designs of the proposed Dorrigo Water Treatment Plant upgrade, with the other funding half coming from Bellingen Shire Council.
• $62,500 to bring the replacement Grafton North Sewage Treatment Plant to tender ready phase, with Clarence Valley Council funding the remaining $187,500.

The Safe and Secure Water Program supports more than $1 billion worth of projects across the state, with over 270 in various stages of delivery.

NSW Minister for Water and NSW Minister for the North Coast Rose Jackson said:

“Kempsey is a growing community that continues to attract thousands of visitors every year which is why the NSW Government is coming to the table to ensure the town is better equipped with 21st century infrastructure to unlock economic opportunities moving forward.

“The proposed new Central Kempsey Wastewater Treatment Plant will produce much higher quality effluent that will be maintained to the top industry standard, which is crucial in an environmentally sensitive region like the Mid-North Coast.

"As Minister for the North Coast, it's really important to me that these regions have what they need for the future and that's what our funding is also delivering for Nambucca, Evans Head, Bonalbo, Dorrigo and Grafton.

"With the region already impacted by another El Nino weather pattern we’re putting our money where our mouth is and investing in work that will lock-in long term water security and quality for these towns.

“Drought resilience isn’t the only box we’re ticking. It’s also great to see progress being made on sewerage projects like Kempsey because we know first class wastewater treatment services are fundamental in allowing communities to grow and thrive.”

Mayor of Kempsey Shire Council Leo Hauville said:

“The three existing wastewater treatment plants have serviced the Kempsey area for many years. Over the coming years they will be replaced with modern and more efficient equipment.

“Slimming down from three plants to one will provide better service to the community. It’s great news that our incredibly dedicated Water and Sewer staff will have the necessary modern facilities with sewage management for the Kempsey area at the one location.

“Planning work is already underway to ensure we are ticking all the right boxes and getting the details right from the outset. We’ll continue to keep locals informed every step of the way.”