“Everyone in NSW deserves access to reliable and high-quality water and the NSW Government is acting to secure and improve town water services for regional communities,” Mrs Pavey said. 

“This funding will help ensure the continuity of Council’s water supply through upgrades to the existing Wauchope Water Treatment Plant and alternative water supply investigations.

“Council’s dams are now holding over 60% storage or over ten months’ water supply and it’s important that we support the Council to improve water quality and supply for the community”.

Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said NSW communities depend on access to clean, reliable and affordable water, and wastewater infrastructure that meets environmental and health standards.

“With over 1.9 million people living in more than 500 regional NSW communities, it is vital we continue to invest in priority local infrastructure,” Mrs Williams said.

“The NSW Government’s Emergency Drought Relief programs have committed more than $216 million to 75 projects – an amazing result for Regional NSW. 

“Whether it’s a simple bore or an upgraded water treatment plant, the NSW Government is making a real difference to local communities throughout NSW,” Mrs Williams said.

The NSW Government funding is covering 25% of the costs for each project. The projects involve:

* $9.36 million worth of upgrades to the Wauchope Water Treatment Plant to increase its capacity from 7 to 21 megalitres a day to improve supply and water quality; and

* $250,000 for alternative water supply investigations – groundwater investigations to explore the feasibility of a groundwater supplemented alternate supply.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Mayor, Peta Pinson said it is important to continue to work on water security for our growing community.

“There are numerous projects and initiatives that we are working on to ensure our community has access to a safe, clean water supply, and we appreciate the funding assistance from the NSW Government.”