Water treatment plant construction to start for Willawarrin

The Mid North Coast is moving towards a safer and more secure water future, with construction just around the corner on a world-class water treatment plant (WTP).

The plant is worth more than $8 million and will supply Willawarrin with top-quality drinking water.

More than $2 million from the New South Wales Safe and Secure Water Program and over $6 million from Kempsey Shire Council is locked in to construct the new state-of-the-art WTP in Willawarrin to better manage and withstand variable water quality from the bores that supply the area, particularly during severe weather events.

New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Director – Infrastructure Development, Lisa Hingerty, said, “Investing in high-quality water is a no-brainer, and we are excited to see this important project get underway in Willawarrin. The new water treatment plant will reduce risks to water safety, security, and sustainability and improve the drinking water supply.

“Willawarrin’s water treatment system was built in 1967 and is in desperate need of an upgrade. Drought, bushfires, and floods in recent years have forced the town into water carting on numerous occasions because the treatment wasn’t up to scratch.

The new WTP will be built within the Willawarrin showground precinct to replace the existing aged treatment process and system.

“Building this new infrastructure is a priority for us. Early works have already been completed, including building a new pole-mounted transformer to power the site and new water pipelines to connect the bores at the Macleay River, the new plant and the town water supply,” Ms Hingerty said.

The State Government and Kempsey Shire Council’s partnership will bring the project to fruition and ensure the local community has the water infrastructure to support future growth.

“Council staff have worked assiduously planning the project, in partnership with the New South Wales Government, to secure the approvals, designs, and funding for this vital upgrade,” Kempsey Council Mayor, Leo Hauville, said. “Now, with construction set to start early next year, we will start to see the welcome and positive outcomes.

“This is great news for Willawarrin, as it means more money in the local economy for food and accommodation during construction.

“Access to clean and reliable water is a human right. We are delighted to announce real progress on this critical infrastructure that will help future-proof our region. We are also thankful for the ongoing support from Water Minister Rose Jackson MLC.”

LC Water has been awarded a contract to design and construct the WTP. The project is now moving into the detailed design phase, which is expected to be completed in early 2025. Construction will follow soon after.

The project also includes refurbishing the existing reservoir, which will store treated water from the WTP before delivery to the town reticulation network.

The Safe and Secure Water Program supports over $1 billion worth of projects across the state, with more than 260 in various delivery stages.

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