Far North Coast Regional Water Supply Project

About the project

The Far North Coast Regional Water Supply Project aims to assess regional options that can improve long-term water security in the region, ensuring reliable access to water for communities across the Far North Coast.

The department’s Water Group is leading the options investigation aligned with the Far North Coast Regional Water Strategy.

The options being considered include:

• connecting the Tweed Shire and Rous County Council bulk water systems
• regional desalination plants - large-scale or modular
• integrating independent town water supplies into the bulk network
• using Toonumbar Dam to support town supplies, especially Casino
• linking to the Southeast Queensland Water Grid.

The Water Group is currently preparing a preliminary business case assessing these and other related options.

Project need

Climate change, population growth and water access challenges are increasing pressure on regional water security in the Far North Coast.

The preliminary business case will complement existing water security projects that are being progressed by local government and county councils.

The project seeks long-term, reliable solutions to ensure sustainable water security for the region.

Project funding

The NSW and Australian Governments have jointly committed $5 million to develop a preliminary business case. The Australian Government is contributing $2.5 million through the National Water Grid Fund.

Project status

The NSW Government is preparing the preliminary business case to test the case for investment and narrow down options to a shortlist.

The project will explore and refine the options through detailed analysis and stakeholder engagement.

The project is in the early planning stage to see which, if any, options stack up.

If approved to progress to a full business case, the Water Group will then complete detailed assessments of the shortlisted options.

Stakeholder engagement

The Water Group is committed to building and maintaining respectful, trusted and collaborative relationships with our communities and stakeholders to ensure water infrastructure projects achieve the best possible outcomes.

We will offer opportunities for communities and stakeholders, including First Nations people, to engage with us and provide feedback as we develop the preliminary business case for the project.

If the project proceeds to a full business case, further, extensive engagement with stakeholders will take place to inform its development.

Engaging with local communities, including the Local Aboriginal Land Councils, is crucial to developing culturally appropriate and effective water security strategies.

Upcoming engagement opportunities will be highlighted on this project webpage and on the Water Group’s have your say page.

Project timeline