Willawarrin Water Plant Charges Ahead
The Mid North Coast is moving towards a safer and more secure water future, with construction just around the corner on a world-class water treatment plant (WTP) worth more than $8 million that will supply top-quality drinking water to Willawarrin.
More than $2 million from the NSW Safe and Secure Water Program and over $6 million from Kempsey Shire Council is locked in to construct the new state-of-the-art WTP in Willawarrin to better manage and withstand variable water quality from the bores that supply the area, particularly during severe weather events.
The new WTP will be built within the Willawarrin showground precinct to replace the existing aged treatment process and system.
The partnership between the NSW Government and Kempsey Shire Council will bring the project to fruition and ensure the local community has the water infrastructure it needs to support future growth.
A contract has been awarded to LC Water to design and construct the WTP. The project is now moving into the detailed design phase, which is expected to be completed in early 2025, with construction to follow soon after.
The project also includes refurbishing the existing reservoir, which will be used to store treated water from the WTP prior to delivery to the town reticulation network.
The Safe and Secure Water Program is supporting over $1 billion worth of projects across the state, with more than 260 in various stages of delivery.
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Director - Infrastructure Development, Lisa Hingerty said:
“Investing in high quality water is a no-brainer and we are excited to see this important project get underway in Willawarrin. The new water treatment plant will reduce risks to water safety, security and sustainability and improve the drinking water supply.
“Willawarrin’s water treatment system was built way back in 1967 and is in desperate need of an upgrade. Drought, bushfires and floods in recent years forced the town into water carting on numerous occasions because the treatment wasn’t up to scratch.
“Building this new infrastructure is a priority for us. Early works have already been completed, including building a new pole-mounted transformer to power the site and new water pipelines to connect the bores at the Macleay River, the new plant and the town water supply.
“In a changing climate with less reliable water, we need to help local communities get on the front foot which is why we are investing in this new water treatment plant for Willawarrin.”
Mayor of Kempsey Shire Council Leo Hauville said:
"Council staff have worked assiduously planning the project, in partnership with the NSW Government, to get the approvals, designs and funding secured for this vital upgrade. Now, with construction set to start early next year, we will start to see the welcome and positive outcomes.
“This is great news for Willawarrin with more money in the local economy for food and accommodation during construction.
“Access to clean and reliable water is a human right. We are delighted to announce real progress being made on this critical infrastructure that will help future proof our region. We are also thankful for the ongoing support from Water Minister, Rose Jackson, MP."
