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Consultation has concluded

Orange City Council News

Orange City Council News

Consultation has concluded
  • Former Myer building proposed development application on public exhibition

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    Tuesday November 9, 2017.

    A new development application, to demolish parts of the former Myer site, to make way for a new shopping complex has been lodged.

    A development application has been received by Orange City Council, lodged by developer Alceon Group Pty Limited, and is on public exhibition until January 29.

    The proposal is to demolish the ground, first and second floors as well as the roof but to maintain the Summer Street and Post Office Lane facade.

    A new portal frame with new roof will be constructed behind the existing facades to provide a single level of retail floor space which will provide for 15 separate retail tenancies and two kiosks, along with back-of-house facilities and amenities.

    The application also involves the construction of an elevated deck in Post Office lane to provide outdoor dining opportunities in the laneway.

    The purpose of the elevated deck in Post Office Lane is to provide alfresco dining with the same finished floor level as the adjoining shops without impacting upon the heritage significant underground cellar in the north-eastern corner of the existing building.

    The development application will be on exhibition from Monday, 8 January 2018 until Monday, 29 January 2018 at Council's office at the Customer Service Counter, ground floor, Civic Centre - corner of Byng Street and Lords Place, Orange - during ordinary office hours, being 9.00am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday, or you can download them from Orange City Council's website.

    All submissions must be received by January 29.





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  • Construction commences on Icely Road roundabout

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    Construction has commenced on a roundabout near Canobolas Rural Technology High School to make the area safer and easier to navigate during peak times.

    The roundabout is fully funded by the Federal Government with $225,000 allocated to the project under the Federal Government’s Black Spot Programme.

    The roundabout is being constructed by Orange City Council at the Wakeford Street, Winter Street and Icely Road intersection.

    Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee said this funding was part of the Australian Government’s allocation of $19.2 million for 52 Black Spot projects across New South Wales in 2017–18.

    “This holiday season has shone a light on the importance of road safety and I’m very pleased that the Federal Government is able to assist Orange City Council to improve safety on our roads,” Mr Gee said.

    “This new roundabout will better manage the traffic flow through the area. I think local residents will welcome it.

    “By funding these works, we will improve road safety and slow vehicles down, which is important given the proximity to Canobolas Rural Technology High School, Mr Gee said.

    “Community safety is paramount and programs like the Black Spot Programme save the community many times the cost of these road improvements that are implemented,” Mr Gee said.

    Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said preliminary work on the roundabout began in December but the major work was being done now, during the school holidays to minimise the impact on the school and its students.

    “We’ve been in talks with the school and nearby residents to ensure there is as little disruption as possible,” Cr Kidd said.

    “The plan is to have the majority of the work finished by Australia Day but that is entirely dependent on weather.

    “It is an important project and while there will be disruption during construction, the result will be worth the temporary inconvenience.

    “The ‘mountable’ style of roundabout being constructed, is often described a bit like a pancake and is designed to allow school buses to easily manoeuvre around it.

    “It will make the area a lot more bus friendly and it will finish up looking like the roundabout at the Gardiner Road and Lords Place Street intersection.”

    Orange City Council’s Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Sam Romano said the intersection was designed with a high number of pedestrians in mind.

    “This design will slow vehicles down but allow for a much more smooth flow of traffic with a single lane entry and exit,” Cr Romano said.

    “The single lane makes it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross.

    “The roundabout will ease traffic flow on Wakeford Street, making it safer to pass through the intersection, where currently there is a stop sign.

    “The intersection will be closed for most of the time during the major construction period so it’s best to avoid the area if you can.

    “I’d like to thank nearby residents for their patience and understanding during the construction phase.”

    The Australian Government has extended the Black Spot Program and is providing $60 million per year from the 2021 to 2022 financial year onwards, building on the current $684.5 million investment from the 2013 to 2014 financial year to the 2020 to 2021 financial year.

    GOING ROUND: A design sketch of the roundabout being built near Canobolas Rural Technology High School.

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  • Multi-cultural students benefit from learn to swim classes

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    On the eve of the holiday season, members of Orange’s multi-cultural community now feel safer around Orange’s water-ways, since the completion of the latest round of swimming classes.

    More than twenty local men and women joined in the latest series of weekly classes at the Orange Aquatic Centre.

    Orange City Council’s Sport & Recreation committee chair Cr Jason Hamling has congratulated all the members of the latest class.

    “There’s a powerful TV commercial running at present which shows that the risk of drowning pays no attention to someone’s age or ethnic background or life experience,” Cr Jason Hamling said.

    “While being close to waterways for recreation isn’t necessarily part of every culture around the world, it’s certainly a big part of the picture in Australia.”

    “I congratulate each and every one of these local residents who have overcome their lack of early confidence and can now enjoy spending time at the beach or at a pool.”

    “With the hot weather coming at the same time as our end of year holidays, it’s no surprise that people will be spending time in the water over the break.

    “I’m told some members of this class had never swum before and now they’re jumping into the diving pool. It’s a great achievement.”

    The series of classes was funded by a grant from Clubs NSW, and included volunteers from the Mentor Connections group.

    Each session started with a water safety talk before the group spent around an hour in the water.

    “Some of the pupils are also part of English lessons at TAFE, and there’s nothing like a water safety talk to be a great way of practising their new language skills, “ Cr Jason Hamling said.

    SWIMMING: Pupils Somchai Sae Lee, Ernestina Flowers, Dian Nelson and Niemat Darah are pictured with swim teachers Nina Nyitrai and Tanikah Fenech.

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  • New motel project on display for community comment

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    21 December 2017

    A proposal to build a new motel in Lords Place, on the site of the current Mid-City Motor Lodge, has gone on display for community comment.

    The proposed development would mean the demolition of all existing buildings, structures and vegetation on the site at 245 Lords Place.

    Following demolition, a new four storey building would be constructed for the purposes of hotel or motel accommodation.

    The accommodation will comprise a total of 105 rooms for accommodation purposes (or 99 rooms under a dual key arrangement) across Levels 1, 2 and 3.

    The project would also provide other support areas such as a lobby/lounge area, reception and coffee bar on the ground level; and restaurant, function room, lounge bar and terrace on Level 1.

    A 97 space car park (or 112 car parking spaces under a valet arrangement during peak periods) would be provided in the under croft space below Level 1 and behind the reception/lobby area on the ground level. Access to the car park will be provided via a one-way circulation arrangement from Lords Place.

    A one-way entry/exit will be provided to the porte-cochere at the front of the site, accessed from Lords Place also.

    The applicant, as part of the application, is seeking a Clause 4.6 exception to the applicable Height of Buildings development standard.


    The application may be inspected from links (below) on this page or at the Customer Service Counter, ground floor, Civic Centre - corner of Byng Street and Lords Place, Orange - during ordinary office hours, being 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday from Friday, 22 December 2017 to Monday, 15 January 2018.

    During this period, any person may make written submission on this development proposal to Council.


    DOCUMENTS:

    DA New accommodation Facility at 245 Lords Place

    12106-DA Cover Sheet

    12106-DA Perspectives 1

    12106-DA Perspectives 2

    12106-DA Perspectives 3

    12106-DA Perspectives 4

    12106-DA00

    12106-DA01

    12106-DA03

    12106-DA04

    12106-DA05

    12106-DA06

    12106-DA07

    12106-DA08

    12106-DA09

    12106-DA10

    12106-DA11

    12106-DA12

    12106-DA13

    12106-DA14

    12106-DA15

    12106-DA16

    12106-DA17

    Report 2 proposed motel development

    Heritage Impact Statement

    Exceptions to Development Standards Report

    17 017DA


  • Latest report card shows council “bustling in every sector”

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    The completion of the Orange Regional Museum, raising Suma Park Dam wall, a multi-million dollar re-vamp of an airport hangar for the Orange emergency helicopter service, the completion of a new pavilion at the Orange showground and the start of a 61 kilometre pipeline from Orange to Carcoar, were the highlights of the financial year for Orange City Council.

    Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the 2016/17 annual report was a valuable, once a year report card for the Council and the latest report showed the city was bustling in every sector.


    It also showed council had a net operating surplus of more than $34 million.

    “There was growth and progress across the board,” Cr Kidd said.

    “In the tourism sector we had regional airline Fly Corporate announce the commencement of scheduled direct weekday flights between Orange and Brisbane, and the company has now added flights to Melbourne.

    “Council approved a new Orange Regional Tourism Strategy which included the establishment of a new Visitors Information Centre, regional workshops, as well as getting an industry-led tourism entity off the ground.

    “Orange was featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Fox Sports, Qantas on line, Sydney Weekender and of course received the coveted Mayfair spot on the Australian Monopoly board.

    “It was also a big year for arts, culture and recreation with our Orange Civic Theatre winning the coveted Drover Award for the best regional performing arts centre of the year.”

    Cr Kidd said several of Council’s major projects such as the raising of the dam wall , the museum and the Orange to Carcoar pipeline were high-profile and very visible projects but there was a “phenomenal amount” going on in the background.

    “I’m proud Orange City Council was able to donate more than $300,000 to community events and community groups throughout the year.

    “These organisations are the heart and soul of our community and it’s wonderful we can support them in supporting those who most need it.”

    During the year there were 137,025 visits to the Orange Aquatic Centre, 56,301 visits to the Orange Civic Theatre and more than 500 development applications were processed.

    Earthworks started at the city’s largest ever residential land release at Shiralee and several events have been held at the new 80m x 33m pavilion at the showground.

    In the business development sector, Council launched two programs to help support local businesses, the Grow Local and Shop Orange campaigns.

    “We had a strong focus on jobs creation using those two programs,” Cr Kidd said.

    “The Grow Local program helped businesses expand or start while Shop Orange was focused on securing retail spending in the city.”

    When it came to road upgrades, the record rain during the 2016 winter meant the works crews had a mammoth task ahead, Cr Kidd said.

    “Our works crews went flat-out getting through the huge list of road projects, which as anyone who drives on Orange’s roads can attest, has made a difference.


    “For example many people have probably already forgotten what Byng Street and William Street were like before council crews and contractors got in there and completed those projects.”

    Cr Kidd said the community can rest assured the financial position of the Council is sound and secure with an operating surplus of more than $34 million.

    “Council was audited by the Audit Office of NSW, which found Council was in a good position when it came to looking at operating revenue compared to operating expenditure, Council’s ability to pay its debts and its ability to run without relying on grants,” Cr Kidd said.

    “It was an excellent result and showed there has been good financial management of Council’s assets and investments.

    “Overall it was an incredibly productive financial year and the previous Council can be proud of the work it achieved.

    “But there’s little time to rest on our laurels as we plunge into the future with community consultation under way for our blue-print ten year plan.”


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  • Time is nearly up for NSW Local Citizen of the Year Award nominations

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    Monday, December 18, 2017

    We all know someone who gives up their time and donates their skills to better the lives of others, says Orange Mayor Reg Kidd.

    Cr Kidd said those people don’t do those tasks for the accolades but they certainly deserve some acknowledgment, so let’s congratulate them.

    “Australia Day is fast approaching and nominations for Orange Citizen of the Year and the five additional awards are due on Monday January 5.


    “That’s only a couple of weeks away and I know there’s hundreds of people out there in Orange who just go about their business helping others who deserve to be nominated.

    “It doesn’t take long and you can download a nomination form from the council website.

    “Do you know a group of people, or a committee who really went above and beyond to raise money, or put on that special event, which benefited hundreds of locals?

    “Do you know a business person who humbly donates services or money to people or groups who most are most in need?

    “These people are humble.

    “You might think they would be a little embarrassed by any public acknowledgment of their good deeds, but to that I say do it anyway.

    “They deserve it. “

    The two new award categories this year are the Local Legend Award and the Business Philanthropy Award.

    The Local Legend Award recognises a person who has molded the Orange local community with outstanding, illustrious or renowned achievement.

    The Business Philanthropy Award recognises a business that seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money or services to the community and good causes.

    The other categories include:
    The Citizen of the Year Award recognises an individual who has achieved something extraordinary, is an inspirational role model to others or who has made a sustained outstanding contribution to the local community.

    The Young Citizen of the Year Award recognises an individual under 25 years of age who has achieved something extraordinary, is an inspirational role model to others or who has made a sustained outstanding contribution to the local community.

    The Community Group of the Year Award recognises a group who has made a valuable contribution to the Orange community throughout the year.

    The Community Event of the Year Award recognises an event that has made a valuable contribution to the community. This will be determined both in relation to the quality of the event and the scope of impact on the local government area.

    Nomination forms can be found on council’s website, or at the front counter at the Civic Centre building in Byng Street.

    Nominations need to be received by Monday January 5, 2018.

    Winners will be announced on Australia Day at the annual Cook park celebrations.

    HUMBLED: Last tear's winner Barbara Bloomfield was shocked and humbled to receive the recognition.

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  • Christmas cakes to boost Meals on Wheels deliveries

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    16 November 2017

    Elderly Orange residents who receive healthy food deliveries from the ‘Meals on Wheels’ service each week, will be given an extra present ahead of the holiday season : a hand-made, hand-decorated Christmas Cake made by local volunteers.

    The cakes are a donation from members of Orange’s branch of the Cake Decorators Guild. Branch president Chris Cortes said the local club, that’s been operating for 32 years, decided to make a donation of time and effort this year instead of fund-raising.

    “We were talking about making a donation to the community because we’re a non-profit organisation, and one of our members came up with the idea,” Chris Cortes said.

    Branch secretary Cindy Crannis said the creation of the 96 cakes was a group effort.

    “Some put their hands up to bake. Others put their hand up to make decorations,” Cindy Crannis said. “Pretty much everyone participated in some way.”

    “If people are feeling a bit isolated at this time of year, this might bring a little Christmas cheer into their homes.”

    Orange Deputy Mayor Joanne McRae was on-hand at the Orange Food Services office this week, when volunteers arrived with the cakes.

    “The generosity of pulling this together, the hours of hard work is absolutely fantastic,” Cr Joanne McRae said. “On behalf of Orange City Council and the Orange Meals on Wheels Service, thank you.”

    The cakes will be handed over when Meals on Wheels volunteers start their regular deliveries next week.

    ICING ON THE CAKE : Meals on Wheels deliveries in Orange next week will have an extra component. (l. to r.) Orange Cake Decorators Guild President Chris Cortes, Deputy Mayor Joanne McRae and Guild secretary Cindy Crannis take a close look at one of the creations.
  • Opening hours for 2017 Christmas - New Year holiday season

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    13 December 2017

    The operating hours for Orange City Council offices and services, during the Christmas/New Year holiday period, can be found here.

    Waste Collection Service

    The usual kerbside collection days for waste, recycling and organics do not change through the Christmas/New Year period.

    The Resource Recovery Centre on Ophir Road will be closed on Christmas Day, Monday 25 December 2017, and open every other day as usual.

    Civic Centre, Ticketek, Works Depot

    25 Dec 2017 - Christmas Day - CLOSED

    26 Dec 2017 to 1 Jan 2018 - CLOSED

    2 Jan 2018 - Normal hours resume

    Orange City Library

    24 Dec 2017 - CLOSED

    25 Dec 2017 - Christmas Day - CLOSED

    26 Dec 2017 - CLOSED

    27 Dec, 28 Dec, 29 Dec 2017 - 9am - 5pm

    30 Dec 2017 - 9.30am - 4pm

    31 Dec 2017 - CLOSED

    1 Jan 2018 - CLOSED

    2 Jan 2018 - normal hours resume

    Orange Visitors Centre

    24 Dec 2017 - 9am to 5pm

    25 Dec 2017 - Christmas Day - CLOSED

    26 Dec 2017 to 1 Jan 2018 - 9am to 5pm

    2 Jan 2018 - Normal hours resume

    Orange Regional Museum

    24 Dec 2017 - 9am to 4.45pm

    25 Dec 2017 - CLOSED

    26 Dec 2017 to 1 Jan 2018 - 9am to 4.45pm

    2 Jan 2018 - Normal hours resume

    Orange Regional Gallery

    24 Dec 2017 - 10am to 4pm

    25 Dec and 26 Dec 2017 - CLOSED

    27 Dec 2017 to 1 Jan 2018 - 10am to 4pm

    2 Jan 2018 - Normal hours resume

    Orange Aquatic Centre

    24 Dec 2017 - 8am - 7pm

    25 Dec 2017 - Christmas Day - CLOSED

    26 Dec 2017 - Boxing Day - CLOSED

    27 Dec, 28 Dec, 29 Dec 2017 - 5.30am - 7.30pm

    30 Dec 2017 - 5.30am - 7pm

    31 Dec 2017 - 8am - 7pm

    1 Jan 2018 - 12pm to 6pm

    2 Jan 2018 - Normal hours resume

    26 Jan 2018 - Australia Day - 12pm - 6pm

    Child Care Services

    Spring Street/Yarrawong - Last day for children 22 Dec 2017 and will re-open Wed 10 Jan 2018

    Courallie - Last day for children 22 Dec 2017 and will re-open Wed 17 Jan 2018

    Out of School Hours

    Last day Before and After School Care - 15 Dec 2017

    Pupil Free Day Care - 18 Dec and 19 Dec 2017

    Vacation Care - Starts 3 Jan 2018

    Occasional Care

    Last day for children 20 Dec 2017 and re-open 15 Jan 2018

    Community Information and Services Centre

    25 Dec 2017 - Christmas Day - CLOSED

    26 Dec 2017 to 1 Jan 2018 - CLOSED

    2 Jan 2018 - Normal hours resume

    Family Day Care

    Closed from 23 Dec 2017 and will re-open 8 Jan 2018

    For any emergency Council services during this period, you can contact Orange City Council’s after hours emergency services number 1300 650 511.


  • Orange Regional Museum events fun for all ages

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    Wednesday December 13

    Wondering what to do with the kids over the school holidays?

    The Orange Regional Museum has you covered.

    But as the 2018 events program at the museum is revealed there’s also plenty of opportunities for history and socialising for adults too.

    Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the museum was a treasure trove of information and staff work hard to make history fun and engaging for all ages.


    “There’s school holiday activities, the usual Monday at the Museum for the little ones, but there’s also Up Late events for adults as well as the next instalment of Movies at the Museum,” Cr Kidd said.

    Services Policy Committee Chair Cr Kevin Duffy said the museum’s events were becoming increasingly popular and it was a good idea to book ahead.

    “Most of the activities for kids are free, which makes them accessible for everyone,” Cr Duffy said.

    “They have a tendency to book out, which is a good sign that they’re valuable activities for parents and kids.”

    In January 2018 school holiday programs will return with Printing History.

    A hands-on history and craft workshop where kids can learn how the old printing press, located in the museum, worked and try their hand at making historical newspapers.

    Cr Duffy said a special Kids Choice event would be held in early February just before the exhibition Journeys: people place stories closes.

    “It’ll be a mash-up of all the popular school holiday events over the last year,” he said.

    “There will be volcanos, snow globes, trains, finger painting, print making and more.”

    Movies at the Museum returns in February with a screening of The Legend of Ben Hall and a special Up Late event in March.

    Follow the Orange Regional Museum on Facebook for updates on all events.


    To prepare for Orange Regional Museum’s next exhibition Paddock to Plate: a history of food and wine in Orange & district, the Museum’s main exhibition space will be closed from Sunday 4th February 2017 at 5pm and re-open with the brand new exhibition on Saturday 7th April 2018.

    January – March 2018 program:
    School Holiday Program: Printing History
    Wed 10 – Fri 12 Jan 2018
    Wed 17 – Fri 19 Jan 2018
    Sessions 9.30am and 11.30am daily
    Print history this summer at Orange Regional Museum. Foam printing workshops for children aged 5-12 years.
    Free event, 1 hour sessions Orange Regional Museum Bookings limited (02) 6393 8444 or https://printinghistory.eventbrite.com.au

    Movies at the Museum: The Legend of Ben Hall
    Fri 2 Feb 2018, 6pm-10pm
    Orange Regional Museum Screening of The Legend of Ben Hall, a 2016 Australian film documenting the life of the notorious bush ranger.
    Rated M Recommended 18+, tickets $15 per person includes drink and catering on arrival and during interval Orange Regional Museum. Bookings essential, limited numbers (02) 6393 8444 or http://www.orangemuseum.com.au/movies/
    Event sponsored by: Cargo Road Wines.

    Family Fun: Kids Choice

    Sat 3 Feb, 10am-3pm
    As the exhibition Journeys: people place stories draws to a close, join in a day of fun with of all our most popular family activities from the past year.
    Activities will be running from 10am-3pm and you can join in at any time.
    Please book a place via the link below to ensure there are enough materials for all children to participate. Free event Orange Regional Museum Bookings required (02) 6393 8444 or https://kidschoice.eventbrite.com.au

    Up Late in Orange: Dance and Music in Orange from the 1920s-60s
    Fri 9 Mar 2018, 7pm-10pm Orange has a colourful history of dance halls, balls and music.
    For this special Up Late event dalls and dances from the 1920s-60s will be celebrated with dance workshops, historical displays, music and more. Free event South Court, Byng Street, Orange Cultural Precinct Bookings essential (02) 6393 8444 or https://danceorange.eventbrite.com.au

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  • Council set to turn on dual-water scheme

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    Tuesday, December 12.

    Orange City Council is contacting residents of North Orange and the Ploughmans Valley area to make sure they’re aware the city’s Dual-Water scheme is about to be turned on.

    Orange City Council has written to more than two thousand local residents and property owners with details of the next milestone in the water scheme.

    Around 2,000 new houses in the north Orange area have been built with the capability of being connected to both high-quality (potable) drinking water from Orange Water Treatment Plant, and non-potable water supplies, sourced from Orange’s storm-water harvesting scheme. The non-potable water will be used for flushing toilets and watering gardens from outdoor taps.

    Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said while residents won’t notice any difference about water around their house when the new system is turned on for the first time, it’s important they be aware of the change.

    “Over the last couple of years, there’s been high-quality drinking water flowing through both sets of pipes,” Cr Kidd said. “While the water that will flow from outdoor garden taps will still be high-quality water, it won’t be treated to the industry standard of drinking water.”

    “It’s very unlikely that a child could get sick if they accidentally drink water from an outdoor tap, but it’s something parents should be aware of. The outdoor taps have a purple-coloured attachment and a nearby ‘Recycled Water’ sign to make the difference clearer, but parents should be aware in case their children use them.”

    Orange City Council’s Infrastructure Committee chair, Cr Sam Romano, said the dual-water scheme is expected to be turned on next week.

    “It been a long road to get to this point,” Cr Romano said. “As well as building infrastructure, we had to check every house, one by one, to make sure there were no cross-connections.”

    “I’m pleased we’ve now reached the point where this system can be fully-operational.”

    There is more information about the dual water scheme including FAQs on the council website at


    DUAL-WATER: Cr Sam Romano and Mayor Reg Kidd at Ploughmans Wetlands

    BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
    ‘Raw’ water will be pumped from dams in the Ploughman’s Valley Storm-water Harvesting scheme on the western side of Orange, to one of the settling ponds built for the Blackman’s Swamp Storm-water harvesting scheme on the city’s eastern outskirts.

    After treatment to remove sediment, the non-potable water will be pumped to one of the reservoir-tanks in North Orange where another low-level treatment involving ultra-violet light will happen.

    From there the water will flow through water mains to houses in the North Orange and Ploughmans Valley area. Residents in other areas of Orange are not connected to the dual-water scheme.

    The council has spent around $3.2 million building the infrastructure, that will supply ‘non-potable’ water to houses, including :
     the laying of 6 kilometres of water pipes,
     the construction of a new pump house and
     the installation of new treatment facilities.

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