Lostock to Glennies info sessions

Hunter residents are invited to join community information sessions on the proposed Lostock Dam to Glennies Creek Dam Pipeline Project and Paterson River Connection project next week.

Water Infrastructure NSW (WINSW) and Hunter Water will hold drop-in sessions at 11am-1pm and 5-7pm at Tocal Agricultural College on 22 August and Singleton Library on 23 August to get locals up to speed with the project.

Executive Director of Development at WINSW Lisa Hingerty said work on the final business case, which would enable the NSW Government to make a robust investment decision about the future of the pipeline, was gaining momentum.

“The team has been swinging into action and has completed fieldwork across the Greater Hunter that will shape the look and feel of the project,” Ms Hingerty said.

“This includes environmental, geotechnical, heritage, social and land use investigations, and ground condition assessments that will underpin the concept design of the pipeline along with the best route options.

“We’ve also been honing-in on the hydrological modelling to get a clearer understanding of the benefits and any impacts it will have on the overall water system.

“Completing planning and development is a critical first step in enabling the NSW Government to determine whether this is the most effective way to lock-in water security for the Hunter particularly with a drought on the doorstep.”

The final business case, which will be completed in mid-2024, is investigating a new two-way pipeline between Lostock and Glennies Creek Dams, as well as pump stations, to improve connectivity and transfer water where it is needed the most.

It is also looking at constructing a pump station, water treatment plant and pipeline on the Paterson River to access river flows downstream of Lostock Dam to increase water supply to the Maitland region.

Ms Hingerty said community stakeholder engagement was a top priority.

“We are working proactively with landholder and communities to discuss the pros and cons and to look at ways to mitigate any potential risks which is why I encourage everyone to come along to the drop-in sessions,” she said.

It builds on prior face-to-face information sessions in September and December last year along with engagement with more than 40 landholders and meetings with Aboriginal parties, local councils, water users and other community groups.

For more information on the drop-in sessions, visit Lostock to Glennies Creek Pipeline or contact us via phone on 1300 081 047 or email at lostock-glennies.pipeline@dpie.nsw.gov.au