Construction of multiple new pump stations and a 40km pipeline will soon begin, enabling 2ML of water a day to be moved from Scone to Murrurundi in NSW.
The construction of the pump stations and pipeline is expected to start in August 2019 and due to be completed in mid 2020, with a new, larger reservoir for Murrurundi anticipated to be built soon after.
Contractor Leed Engineering and Construction estimates up to 600m of pipeline a day can be laid in open paddock.
Two teams, each with equipment including a 30 tonne excavator, will install the pipeline simultaneously starting in Scone and Wingen, and working towards Murrurundi.
The pipeline will be buried for the entire length of the route. The only areas where the completed pipeline will be visible is where it enters/exits the pump stations and there will be above ground access points to the pipeline valves along the way.
The pipeline project is estimated to cost $14.2 million, with over $13 million in funding provided by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Water Security for Regions program. The remainder of the project funding is provided by the Upper Hunter Shire Council.
The pipeline design allows for drinking water reticulation and reservoirs for the villages of Blandford, Parkville and Wingen to be constructed in the future, with the local council pursuing the connection of these villages as a high priority.
Upper Hunter Shire Council has received confirmation of a further 60 per cent of $4,444,000 grant subsidy from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program to assist with the delivery of water supply systems for Blandford, Parkville and Wingen and the new reservoir for Murrurundi. The grant is dependent on the submission of a business case.
The funding is in addition to the $1,736,000 already allocated to village reticulation and reservoirs from the original Restart NSW Grant.