Midcoast Water has welcomed news the State Government has allocated $2.17 million towards the construction of an additional water supply system to support the area’s largest water scheme.

The announcement, made by Stephen Bromhead MP, is part of a $19 million commitment to MidCoast Water by the State Government. The initial sum of $2.17m has been earmarked by the State Government as support for the Nabiac Inland Dune Aquifer Water Supply System.

The $34.6 million project will ultimately deliver a second water source to the region and support the Manning scheme, which supplies 36,000 customers in the area from Crowdy Head in the north to Tarbuck Bay in the south.

“This announcement is timely as we are currently finalising the detailed design for the new water treatment plant at Nabiac,” MidCoast Water’s general manager, Ken Goulthorp explained.

Mr Gouldthorp said it was anticipated the construction of the new water treatment plant will be put out for tender in the coming weeks.

The connection of a second water source for this large area will provide security of supply in the event of extended dry weather and backup in the event of equipment malfunction.

“When operational the Nabiac system will allow us to reduce the volume of water we extract from the Manning River, which will be an important environmental outcome for our communities, ” Mr Gouldthorp added.

The project has three main components, the establishment of an extensive bore network (which has already been completed), a water treatment plant approximately five kilometres south-east of the Nabiac township, and a pumping station at Darawank, next to the Lakes Way.

Members of the community will be able to learn more about the project through a video clip now available on MidCoast Water’s website at www.midcoastwater.com.au/nabiacwtp .

The project has also been supported by an Australian Government allocation of $9.43 million under the National Stronger Regions Fund.