That’s a wrap – final NSW Connections project now in operation
The upgraded Urbenville Water Treatment Plant has begun operation – delivering safe drinking water to local residents.
The upgrades improve drought resilience in the region by ensuring a back-up supply of water during dry times. A new bore and storage tanks will safeguard this back-up supply.
In addition, 2 new clarifier lagoons have been built that will pre-treat the raw water from nearby Tooloom Creek.
This will allow existing filters to keep producing high-quality drinking water even during low-quality periods.
River water pumps have also seen new protective cages installed – aimed at limiting debris.
The project is expected to support around 700 people across the towns of:
- Urbenville
- Muli Muli
- Woodenbong.
The completion of this crucial 3-year project also marks the end of the NSW Connections package of projects.
This package has seen 3 critical projects delivered in Walcha, West Wyalong and now Urbenville thanks to more than $30 million in joint funding. Australian Government funding has been provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
While these 3 projects vary, they have one thing in common – supporting local communities, including through:
- supporting local business to stay afloat
- providing new jobs
- delivering drinking water to residents
- helping communities tackle climate change.
Collectively, these projects are providing more than 450 megalitres of extra water for use each year and generating new employment opportunities for locals.
These projects also have positive environmental impacts, such as taking the pressure off local water systems.
NSW Connections is the third Connections package to be completed following Queensland and Western Australia.