Learn more about Tamworth’s water security projects

Tamworth residents are invited to learn more about the proposed infrastructure projects designed to lock in water security and boost drought resilience for the region at community information sessions being held next week.

The NSW Government, in partnership with Tamworth Regional Council, will share details on the investigations that are exploring the feasibility of building an industrial advanced water treatment plant that would reduce the reliance on Tamworth’s town water supply along with intervalley pipelines and off-river storages to help future proof water resources.

These options are shortlisted in the Namoi Regional Water Strategy that provides a roadmap to more secure water for Tamworth over the next 20 to 40 years.

The $6 million Full Business Case which is looking at constructing a water treatment plant that could recycle up to 12 ML of water per day from large food processors is being jointly funded by the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund and the NSW Government.

While the $3 million Preliminary Business Case that is delving into building pipelines that would connect the city to Keepit or Split Rock Dams in the west and/or the Manning Valley in the east, as well as new water storages, is being fully funded by the NSW Government.

Work has been progressing well over the past year with both business cases expected to be completed by mid-year.

We are hosting an information stall at Shoppingworld in Tamworth on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February from 9am to 5pm to give residents a better understanding of these projects and to enable them to ask questions and provide feedback.

People are also invited to attend a webinar on Monday 24 February from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

An extensive and robust business case is vital in helping governments determine whether to fund or progress infrastructure projects.

It is important to point out that Tamworth Regional Council did a lot of the groundwork on planning and development for the advanced water treatment plant which has helped fast track the Full Business Case.

For more information, register for the webinar or complete the feedback survey go to Tamworth Intervalley Pipelines and Off-River Storages Project.

NSW DCCEW Executive Director Infrastructure Development Lisa Hingerty said:  

“Water security is front and centre for Tamworth residents which is why we’re asking locals to come along and get their heads around the detail of each project that are designed to help take pressure off town water supplies, diversify water sources and make the most of the water the region already has.

“We’re putting forward a multi-pronged approach to bolster drought resilience and unlock economic growth for the city without increasing demands on Tamworth’s water network.

“We know Tamworth is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change which is why we’ve been getting on with the job of investigating the viability of building new infrastructure to put the region in a stronger position to weather the next dry period.

“The community information sessions will be a great opportunity to meet the project team face-to-face, ask questions about the progress of the business cases and find out about the next steps which is why I encourage everyone to come along.”

Tamworth Mayor Russell Webb said: 

“Our water security planning team meet regularly with the Australian and NSW Governments about these two business cases and given the importance of water security to our community, it’s timely to provide an update on how they are progressing.

“We look forward to having clear business cases on what happens next and aligning the water security plan currently being developed to bring more certainty for our community ahead of the next drought, which could be just around the corner.

“I would really like to see lots of people coming along to these community information sessions and the webinar because this is the best way to get up to speed with these critical projects that could transform water security for Tamworth.

“I’ve been a strong advocate of putting water security on the top of Council’s priority list and it’s great to see these business cases nearly crossing the finish line because this will enable government to decide whether these projects will get off the ground.”