BIG blue pipes will form the new artery through which Hawks Nest residents and businesses get their water, with upgrades having commenced along Moira Parade and Eagle Avenue.

The large-calibre pipes appeared unannounced upon Council land in front of the Moira Parade boat launch area some weeks ago.

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“The work being done is the replacement of water mains which is part of Council’s asset renewals program,” a MidCoast Council spokesperson told NOTA.

“The old water main runs along Kingfisher Avenue in Hawks Nest and is in poor condition and needed replacement.”

“Due to the environmentally sensitive area the main replacement was decided to be re-routed along Moira Parade, Eagle Ave and Flamingo Ave.”

Like many regional local council Areas, MidCoast’s water utility is under the purview of the Council, not another dedicated water body like in Sydney or Newcastle.

Back in July, Council, which also handles water services for more than 40,000 properties within its Local Government Area (LGA), released an update to how water rates will be presented on bills to residents of the LGA.

MidCoast Council’s Director of Corporate Services, Steve Embry, said, “While customers will continue to receive a quarterly water account, it will only contain their water usage charges, making it easier for them to monitor and manage the amount of water they’re using, which should help people use water more efficiently.”

Residents’ apparently increased rates notices now include their annual water access charge, too.

“From a business perspective, this is going to make our rates and charges system more efficient and cut out unnecessary double handling,” Mr Embry added.

By 2050, Council expects that it will need to cater for around 60,000 properties, hence the move to upgrade existing infrastructure.

Work is expected to wrap up during October, weather permitting.

By Thomas O’KEEFE