Work begins to find route for pipeline

WATER WORKS : The Orange Water Treatment Plant, which is set to become a key component of an expanded system of pipelines, was the backdrop for a media launch of the new pipelines project.

The first stage of work to prepare for building a new water pipeline from Orange to Carcoar is under way.

The preliminary work to determine the route for the underground pipeline has begun and this week more than 100 landholders along the potential path have received letters, keeping them in touch with the project’s early progress.

The latest progress on the project, including a new information website, was unveiled at the Orange Water Treatment Plant Friday 6 November.

Member for Orange Andrew Gee said the NSW Government allocated $37.8 million in funding earlier this year for two new major water projects in the Central West through its Restart NSW Water Security for the Regions Program.

“Water security is one of the great challenges facing regional Australia. If our communities can’t source water, they can’t grow. These pipelines revolutionise water management in the Central West. It’s a true game changer,” Mr Gee said.

The two projects comprise:

• $16.7 million for Orange City Council and Cabonne Council to construct a 65 kilometre water pipeline from Orange to Molong Dam, and from Molong to Cumnock and Yeoval which is being overseen by Cabonne Council; and
• $21.2 million for Orange City Council and Central Tablelands Water for a 57 kilometre potable water pipeline from Orange to Carcoar via Spring Hill, Millthorpe and Blayney.

Route selection work has begun on the Orange City Council and Central Tablelands Water project, which also includes plans to build pump stations to handle 2-way flows between Orange and the Central Tablelands water network.

Preliminary route assessment so far indicates most of the pipeline will be able to be built in road reserves. A small proportion of the route may be built on privately owned land.

Central Tablelands Water General Manager Gavin Rhodes said the pipeline is good news for the region’s residents.

“The project will further strengthen water security for the customers of Central Tablelands Water,” Mr Rhodes said.

Orange Mayor John Davis has welcomed the start of work as a step towards better water security for the region.

“Orange City Council will gain access to emergency water in the case of a catastrophic system failure such as a fire at the water filtration plant and also be able to ensure water quantity and quality to the airport, Spring Hill and Lucknow.

“The same benefits will apply for the 12,000 customers of the Central Tablelands Water system.”

MAP : Pictured looking at preliminary route plans for the new pipeline are (l. to r.) Central Tablelands Water Operations Manager Darrell Sligar, Member for Orange Andrew Gee, Central Tablelands Water General Manager Gavin Rhodes and Orange Mayor John Davis.