MidCoast Council will move forward with plans to build an off-river water storage in the Peg Leg Creek area, near Tinonee, following last Wednesday's November 2025 Council meeting.
A report was presented to Council reviewing three possible sites for the new water storage, along with potential sizes and construction methods.
Councillors unanimously endorsed the recommendation to build a 15 gigalitre rock fill concrete lined storage at Site 3, called the Kiwarrak Off-River Water Storage (formerly known as Peg Leg Storage Dam).
Mayor Claire Pontin welcomed the outcome and said it was a sensible financial decision as the chosen option offered the most cost-effective way of providing more water for the community into the future.
"This is one of the largest and most important projects Council will undertake over the next few decades," said Mayor Pontin.
"The Kiwarrak Off-River Water Storage is going to provide a sustainable supply of water to the region for generations to come."
Early cost estimates for the project suggest it will cost somewhere between $160-260 million.
Mayor Pontin said attracting government funding would be crucial, with projects like this usually shared equally among all three levels of government.
"We'll be advocating strongly to the State and Federal governments, and we have already started briefing Ministers," she said.
"At the same time, staff will work to get all the necessary planning and design done so that when we do get the funding we need, construction can begin quickly.
"From here, we'll work through the design phases, acquire the remaining land, and map out a process to ensure the project delivers the best possible outcomes for our community, both now and into the future."
Concept design of the Kiwarrak Off-River Water Storage is expected to be completed by late 2026.
