The Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has announced details of a $10 million grant to the Liverpool Plains Shire Council (LPSC) which drought proof the three major towns in the local government area.
Mr Joyce said the project had been on the LPSC’s drawing board for a decade and he was delighted that he had been able to deliver the necessary funding.
Mr Joyce said the supply of water to Werris Creek, Quirindi and Willow Tree would guarantee future development.
“Families and businesses can invest with confidence in these towns knowing full well there is a top-class water supply,” Mr Joyce said.
“The Coalition Government has got on with the job and is delivering the water infrastructure this community needs. The previous Labor-Green-Independent Government never delivered on the project - this is what you always see, just a complaints desk, never a delivery desk,” he said.
Mr Joyce said the project would enhance the potential for growth in Werris Creek.
“Werris Creek has the best facilities for housing and maintaining trains in the North West and the Coalition Government’s continued funding for the Inland Rail project, Werris Creek can play an important role,” he said.
Liverpool Plains Shire Council Mayor, Cr Andrew Hope, said the funding announcement was the culmination of a decade of submissions and planning to have a “shovel-ready” project.
Cr Hope said the project would see the installation of a nine megalitre a day water treatment plant (WTP), a raw water pump station augmentation and treated water pump station, a new main to Werris Creek, a new reservoir in Werris Creek, and a new main from WTP to Quirindi.
“The drought-proofing of three towns in the Shire and the supply of quality drinking water are a direct result of this funding,” Cr Hope said.
“I can’t thank Barnaby and his Government enough. He has moved this project through to fruition.”
Cr Hope said the water management system would be able to move water in three-way transfers enabling it to overcome any challenges that may be confronted.
He said the current system relies on a single source of water, with no backup in the event of contamination and Werris Creek suffering from insufficient capacity from the water treatment plant.
“This project will make a significant contribution to water security in our community, and it’s a technically feasible and low risk operation that will provide value for money.
“There will be no negative environmental or social impacts, it will foster regional growth and prosperity and provide an improved level of service to consumers,” Cr Hope said.
Caption: Former Liverpool Plains Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ian Lobsey, the Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, LPSC Mayor Cr Andrew Hope and LPSC Water Services Manager, Rod Batterham.