Eurobodalla Council has welcomed the $51.2 million funding announced in the 2021-22 Federal Budget for the shire’s new southern water storage, including the Tuross River pump station.
The Council now has three quarters of the funding for the $105 million project, after the NSW Government also allocated $25.6 million in 2020. Council will fund the remainder.
The 3,000ML storage will be built west of Bodalla, pumping water from the Tuross River in times of high flow to an off-stream storage and water treatment plant.
It will complement Council’s Deep Creek Dam and water treatment plant in Batemans Bay, providing drought security and bushfire resilience, and increasing capacity for peak holiday water demand and predicted population growth.
Eurobodalla Mayor, Liz Innes, said she was delighted by the news, saying the project will give water security to Eurobodalla residents and businesses for decades to come.
“We are so grateful for this funding,” Ms Innes said.
“Bega MP, Andrew Constance, and NSW Water Minister, Melinda Pavey, have backed this and now the Federal Government has come to the party.
“Council had the forethought to take the bold step of allocating $3.5 million in 2016 to get started on this project and development consent was provided by the NSW Department of Planning back in 2019. Construction of the water pump station is already underway.
“Our water and sewer team has done an incredible job, showing great vision and commitment to get on with the job.”
Eurobodalla Council’s General Manager, Dr Catherine Dale, praised Ms Innes for her persistent advocacy for the cause.
“Our Mayor collared politicians at every opportunity to keep this important project on their agenda,” Dr Dale said.
Construction of the Tuross River pump station is expected to be complete in early 2022, while the dam site is expected to be cleared in February 2022.
