Orange City Council has awarded the tender for the construction of the East Orange Harvesting Wetlands.
The wetlands, on the corner of Phillip and Jilba streets, will boost Orange's water supply by increasing stormwater harvesting at Blackmans Swamp Creek as well as providing a new community recreation area for residents.
The contract has been awarded to Motive Civil and Plant Hire for $8.2 million. Work is scheduled to commence in December.
Orange City Council Infrastructure Policy Committee Chair Cr Jeff Whitton said the project would strengthen Orange's long-term water security while creating a valuable new green space for the community to enjoy.
"Orange residents know how important it is to make the most of every drop of water by capturing more stormwater when conditions allow," Cr Whitton said.
"At the same time, we're creating a new recreational space that will enhance the local environment and provide lasting benefits for residents and future generations."
Currently, an average of 900 megalitres (ML) of stormwater is harvested each year from a weir at Blackmans Swamp Creek, with water extracted under approved conditions.
The East Orange Harvesting Wetland will be situated upstream from the existing weir and allow an additional 600ML to be harvested annually by diverting a percentage of stormwater into a holding dam when flows are more than 6ML a day, ensuring sufficient water flows downstream.
The project includes earthworks, road widening, construction of weirs and spillway, landscaping, footpaths, access tracks, electrical works and installation of community amenities such as BBQs and seating.
The project is funded by $5 million from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the remaining by Orange City Council.
