The new Bega-Tathra Water Treatment and Filtration Plant in New South Wales is one step closer to delivering drinking water to 8,000 South Coast locals, with the State Government announcing construction at the site has begun.
The new infrastructure is funded by $15.2 million from the New South Wales Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program and $5.6 million from Bega Valley Shire Council.
Council is also funding the installation of 300kW solar panels to power the plant to reduce the region’s carbon footprint.
The new plant is expected to help support the estimated one million visitors who visit the Bega Valley each year and unlock more economic opportunities in the region.
Water treatment specialists Laurie Curran Water won the design and construct tender in 2023, with work expected to be completed by February 2025.
The $20.8 million project also includes the adjacent new high-tech operations centre that was completed in 2023 and brings all of Council’s water and sewerage services under one roof.
The Safe and Secure Water Program is funding more than $1 billion worth of projects across the state, with more than 250 in various stages of delivery.
New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Executive Director of Development – Water, Lisa Hingerty, said, “Access to safe and reliable water is a basic human right.
“We know there have been water quality issues in this region such as iron and manganese causing discolouration which is why we’ve made this state-of-the-art plant a priority.
“The facility will supply up to 9.5Ml of filtered water each day to residents and businesses for the first time, providing significant public health benefits and replacing the existing one-step chlorination treatment system that was built over 30 years ago.
“South Coast locals are under no illusions about the future challenges for water security due to drought and a changing climate which is why we’re fully committed to this project.
“Investing in high quality water is a no-brainer and we’re excited to see this important development break ground.”
Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick, said, “The new Bega-Tathra Water Treatment Plant will be able to meet the area’s drinking needs until at least 2046, supporting a growing population and peak tourism periods.
“It’s not being done in isolation either. We’re working closely with the New South Wales Government to upgrade water services right across the Bega Valley including the recently delivered Brogo-Bermagui Water Treatment Plant, a facility in Yellow Pinch by 2027 and the Council-funded Bemboka plant.”
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