Byron Shire Council is improving the water security of Mullumbimby by extending the town’s emergency water network.
Following the 2002–03 drought, Council built an emergency water main connecting Mullumbimby to the regional water network operated by Rous County Council.
At present, the emergency main can supply about half the town in situations where the regular water supply from Lavertys Gap weir is disrupted.
This $6 million project is in partnership with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and NSW Public Works, with funding from the $145 million Northern Rivers Water and Wastewater Repair and Recovery Program.
The Mullumbimby emergency water main extension was approved by Council in 2021, after the existing emergency connection was used for 30 days during the summer 2019–20 drought.
The emergency main is being extended with a pipeline from Tandy’s Lane to the Azalea Street reservoirs. This will allow the emergency connection to support the whole town if the regular supply is interrupted.
Following the disruption of Mullumbimby’s water supply in the 2022 floods, the extension was approved as a flood resilience project to be delivered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Public Works and Byron Shire Council.
Work began in November 2024 and will continue until late 2025. The project involves installing new pipes through Mullumbimby, and there will be some impacts on traffic movements and road access during different stages. Residents will be notified of work in their area.
Works being done include:
- A new water main in the Tandy’s Lane road reserve between the Pacific Motorway and Gulgan Road
- A new water main running along road reserves In Mullumbimby Road/Argyle Street between Manns Road and King Street, then along King Street, Ann Street, Station Street, Fern Street, Myokum Street, Jubilee Street and Azalea Street to the Azalea Street reservoirs
- Installing of a booster pump station and bypass at the Azalea Street reservoir site
- Minor water main upgrades at the intersection of Left Bank Road and Tristran Parade.
Construction working hours will be limited to:
- 7 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday, and
- 8 am to 1 pm Saturdays
No works will be undertaken on Sundays or public holidays. However, some work may occur outside the standard hours when necessary or due to extraordinary circumstances. Residents close to construction areas will be informed about any impacts.
For more information, including route maps, indicative timetables and updates, go to the project webpage: Mullumbimby Emergency Water Main Extension – Byron Shire Council or contact Council’s Utilities team on 02 6626 7000.
