Quirindi and Werris Creek water security delivered
One of the largest water security projects ever undertaken in the North West region of New South Wales is complete, with Quipolly Dam now connected to the taps of residents in Quirindi and Werris Creek through a new $36.9 million world-class water treatment plant and pipeline.
The Quipolly Water Project has been delivered within budget thanks to tri-partisan funding of $15 million funding from the Australian Government, $10 million from the NSW Government, and $11.9 million funding from Liverpool Plains Shire Council.
With construction now over, locals and visitors in Quirindi and Werris Creek can enjoy improved drought resilience, water quality and reliability for decades to come.
The new infrastructure includes:
- A state-of-the-art water treatment plant near Quipolly Dam which can produce up to six million litres of high-quality water every day to cater for population growth and tourism
- A 20-kmwater pipeline from Quipolly Dam to Werris Creek and Quirindi to transfer treated water from the plant to homes and businesses
- A new 0.4ML water reservoir in Werris Creek for better supply storage
- A destratification system in Quipolly Dam
- Upgraded Dam Intake valves
While construction of the new plant commenced in late 2021, the entire project has been almost two decades in the making.
The plant includes several high-tech treatment processes that are used to remove contaminants from the water such as particles and algae to make it safer to drink.
Liverpool Plains Shire Council is also one of the first water utilities in regional NSW to innovatively use the cutting edge Hydroplus Fuse Gate spillway system that helps safeguard water infrastructure during flood events and enables the plant to capture and store flood water.
Quotes attributable to Tanya Plibersek, Federal Minister for Water:
“This critically important project will lock in long-term water security and reliability for a part of rural NSW that knows all too well the impacts of dry times.
“The Albanese Labor Government wants to see more projects like this, to help communities better prepare for drought. Our expansion of the National Water Grid Fund facilitates this type of investment for town water supplies in regional and remote communities in the future.”
Quotes attributable to Rose Jackson, NSW Minister for Water:
“We don’t just talk about drought-proofing infrastructure; we build it.
“The new water treatment plant and transfer pipeline are equipped with all the latest bells and whistles to ensure the community has access to better quality water and more of it to meet demand.
“Water infrastructure unlocks economic opportunities for regional towns and in this case, we’ve seen dozens of local jobs created through the design and construction process and now a water supply system is in place that can service more houses, businesses and visitors in this beautiful region which is a win-win.”
Quotes attributable to Doug Hawkins OAM, Liverpool Plains Shire Mayor:
“The completion of the Quipolly Water Project is a landmark moment, marking the final stage of Liverpool Plains Shire Council’s long-term vision, known as the Regional Water Supply Strategy and I want to thank everyone involved who played their part in getting the project done.
“What we have now is a new state-of-the-art water treatment plant employing at least seven different treatment processes and we are extremely proud of this achievement.
“This is a great example of local, state and federal government all working together closely to deliver the best possible outcome for our community.”
