About the project
The proposed Tamworth Advanced Water Treatment Plant project aims to improve water security in the region, provide sustainable environmental outcomes and support a growing regional economy.
The infrastructure required to support the proposed project would include:
- a water treatment plant
- brine concentration process and brine/salt lagoons
- purified water reservoirs
- pipelines and pump stations
- power supply upgrade.
If the proposed project proceeds, it could treat up to 12 megalitres a day of wastewater per day from local food industry facilities, producing high-quality process water which will be re-used by each factory to replace town water supplies.
By substituting the demand of some of Tamworth’s largest water users, the project aims to reduce pressure on water resources during drought and provide confidence for existing and future industries.
The department’s Water Group is currently developing a full business case for the proposed project.
Project need
Tamworth faces critical water security risks which presents significant disruptions to water service delivery and adverse impacts to social and economic conditions in the region.
Local industry depends heavily on town water and cannot significantly reduce usage during droughts. Recycled water offers a practical way to substitute part of this demand. The Westdale Wastewater Treatment Plant and Effluent Reuse Farm treats and reuses close to all wastewater in the Tamworth area, including both residential and industrial wastewater. However, salinity levels in wastewater to the Effluent Reuse Farm have increased to unsustainable levels, largely due to the discharges from industry.
Project benefits
The project would benefit the region by:
- improving town water security
- enable sustainable economic growth by diversifying water supply for the industrial water users
- deferring upgrades at the Westdale Wastewater Treatment Works and the Calala Water Treatment Plant
- improving management of effluent salinity.
Project status
The project is in the planning stage. Tamworth Regional Council completed a preliminary business case in August 2022 and recommended the Tamworth Advanced Water Treatment Plant for further analysis.
A full business case is required to further refine the project scope, cost, regulatory pathway and its benefits.
The Water Group will lead this analysis and integrate stakeholder consultation to ensure preferred options are identified and progressed.
The outcomes of these studies and consultations will be included in the full business case, which will guide future funding decisions by the NSW and Australian Governments.
The full business case is expected to be submitted for an investment decision in 2026.
Project funding
The NSW and Australian Governments are jointly funding $6 million to develop a full business case for the project, with the Australian Government contributing through the National Water Grid Fund.
Stakeholder engagement
The Water Group is committed to building and maintaining respectful, trusted and collaborative relationships with our communities and stakeholders to ensure water infrastructure projects achieve the best possible outcomes.
We will offer opportunities for communities and stakeholders, including First Nations people, to engage with us and provide feedback as we develop the full business case for the project.
Community members and stakeholders were invited to learn more about the project and provide feedback during February 2024 and 2025.
Recordings of webinars for our irrigation community as well as broader community members are below.
Timeline
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Quarter 4 – 2024
Introduction
We introduce the project to key stakeholders.
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Quarter 4 – 2024
Key stakeholders’ consultation
We invite the input of key stakeholders.
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Quarter 1 – 2025
Community consultation
We invite the input of the community on the project.
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Quarter 2 to Quarter 4 – 2025
Drafting the Full Business Case
We consider all inputs and undertake detailed studies to prepare the business case.
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Early 2026
Finalise the Business Case
We finalise the business case.
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Contact us
For more information call us on 1300 081 047 or email us at water.enquiries@dcceew.nsw.gov.au