Central Tablelands Water is playing a key role in boosting water security across the Central Western region, with the addition of the new stage 1 pipeline extending from Blayney through to Millthorpe, Spring Hill and Orange. Stage 1 is part of an overarching regional strategy that is aiming to improve water security through the connection of Central Tablelands Water and Orange City Council water supply systems.
In 2015, stage 1 works attracted 75% funding from the NSW Government under the Restart NSW Water Security for Regions Program. At a cost of $27 million for stage 1 works alone, construction is due to commence this September in the Blayney/Millthorpe area, and then progress through to Spring Hill and Orange.
Planning for stage 2 works is underway and includes the addition of a new pipeline between Blayney and the Carcoar Water Treatment Plant. The General Manager of CTW, Mr Gavin Rhodes, said that stage 2 works would provide the vital final link for the major project and as such, was crucial to delivering the full benefits of the overall scheme.
The Chairman of CTW, Cr David Somervaille, said that as Project Proponent of the stage 2 works, CTW would continue to lobby State Government to support construction of stage 2 works so the full water security objectives for the region could be achieved.
Operation of the scheme would be dependent on needs and water availability, in either periods of drought or emergency situations. As such, CTW will continue to manage water supply across their vast area throughout the Central West Region. Mr Rhodes said that CTW’s current vast operational reach of over 530kms of water mains extended across 6 separate local government areas and as such, CTW played a pivotal role in strengthening water security across the region.