Funding welcomed for Malpas pipeline

A pipeline to provide a more secure town water supply to Guyra is a major step closer, following the project’s inclusion in the 2018/19 State Budget released today by the NSW Government.

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray welcomed the $12.375 million allocation in the State Budget for the Malpas Dam to Guyra Pipeline.

“Council is extremely grateful the State Government has recognised the tremendous value of this project. Not only will it bring a more reliable water supply to existing residents and businesses, it is fantastic news for the whole Armidale region because this project will open the door for substantial economic development and job creation,” Councillor Murray said.

“We have a number of horticultural industries on our doorstep and ready to invest in the area, just waiting for a more reliable water supply before they commit.

“Guyra has incredible potential to become a hub of intensive horticulture because of its high number of sunny days and consistently cool conditions. The Costa Group’s tomato farm is an existing success story for the Guyra district and an improved water supply is a final piece in the puzzle to convince other major operators to set up here,” he said.

“The NSW Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall, lobbied tenaciously for this project and I applaud his long-running efforts to get it included in this budget.”

The proposed 15km pipeline would have a capacity to carry up to 4.5 megalitres of water to the Guyra township each day.

Malpas Dam also provides the town water supply for Armidale but has capacity to meet the needs of a much larger population. It is estimated the project will cost $12.8 million but that figure will be finalised during the tender process, which will be considered at Council’s Ordinary Council Meeting in Guyra on Wednesday 27 June.

“Council staff have done an amazing job getting this project shovel ready and well positioned for Government funding,” Cr Murray said.

He said the current potential for water restrictions in Guyra highlighted the need for a more dependable town supply.

An extended dry spell has meant water levels at the existing Guyra dams dropped to 65% of capacity last week, prompting Council to encourage residents to implement water saving measures in their homes. Restrictions will be enforced if the level drops to 60%.

Published on 19 Jun 2018