A 30-year plan for providing sustainable water services to our community was launched in Taree last week.

MidCoast Water’s general manager, Ken Gouldthorp, and board chairperson Cr Aled Hoggett officially launched the Our Water Our Future strategic plan.

Our Water Our Future details the issues MidCoast Water expects to face over the coming decades, the options and possible solutions, and it details the five key elements of planning for the delivering water supplies into the future.

“These elements involve reducing water use, ensuring water quality, securing water supplies, recycling and effluent management, and servicing small villages,” general manager Ken Gouldthorp explained.

Our Water Our Future was developed in discussion with regulators, local councils and the community, by a dedicated team of MidCoast Water staff supported by a broad based project reference group.

“The consultation process undertaken in preparation for this plan was one of the most extensive MidCoast Water has undertaken in many years, and it is pleasing to know the strategy we are now implementing is reflective of our community’s aspirations,” Mr Gouldthorp said.

Our Water Our Future highlights the continued importance of water conservation solutions such as water smart appliances, rainwater tanks and leak management.

Mr Gouldthorp explained such activities will help defer or avert more expensive infrastructure projects.
“It also shows the need for more pipes, storages and treatment plants,” he said.

“These include the proposed Nabiac Aquifer project that will help secure water supplies in Taree and Great Lakes.”

The strategy also identifies the need for water storages for Bulahdelah, Stroud and Gloucester and a further focus on increasing the reuse of treated wastewater.

“At the same time MidCoast Water will continue our investigation of a second storage dam for the Manning water supply scheme and look at options for indirect potable reuse of treated wastewater,” Mr Gouldthorp said.