The New South Wales Government is investing nearly $2 million to deliver the final stages of the Urbenville, Muli Muli and Woodenbong Water Supply Project to improve water quality for the three villages.
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the investment under the NSW Drought Fund will enable the project to be finished by December 2024. The investment comes on top of $1.42 million from the Federal Government’s National Water Grid Fund and $100,000 from Tenterfield Shire and Kyogle councils.
“The New South Wales contribution will support an expansion of the existing Urbenville Water Treatment Plant to improve water quality and reliability, increasing its capacity from 600 to 700 people,” Ms Saffin said.
“Although the plant has been well maintained, it was completed in 2010 and its technology isn’t keeping up with modern standards for raw water treatment, which is why it needs an overhaul.
“The work will also include the construction of two new clarifier lagoons that will pre-treat the raw water sourced from Tooloom Creek, allowing the existing filters to keep producing high-quality water even during periods of poor raw water quality.
“The first stage of work is complete, including a new bore and storage tanks – which will provide a valuable lifeline for locals during extreme drought conditions. An upgrade to the existing jetty offtake structure and the de-commissioning of a silo has been finalised.
“New cages are pending installation to protect the pumps from excess debris which may end up in the river, especially after periods of high rainfall.”
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) Executive Director – Infrastructure Development, Lisa Hingerty, said, “New South Wales has stepped in with extra funding for the Urbenville, Muli Muli, Woodenbong project to provide greater support for Tenterfield Shire Council so the project can be finished by the end of the year.
“While stage one of the project is done, the additional New South Wales funding now gives Council the extra help they need to get the job done by completing an upgrade to the water treatment plant to ensure only the best quality water reaches people’s taps.”
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