Crescent Head is one step closer to a major boost in its drinking water quality with a contractor locked in to deliver a new $18.4 million state of the art treatment plant.
It is being delivered by the NSW and Australian Governments and Kempsey Shire Council, as part of its commitment to future proof water infrastructure, and is one of five major project currently underway in the region.
The tender has been awarded to Eire Constructions to build the new 1.08 ML facility which will provide a more robust and reliable water supply for the popular tourist town.
It will replace the existing 1987 chemical dosing system that struggles to treat raw water from Maguires Crossing Borefield to a modern standard especially during drought conditions when water quality is low.
The existing plant comes under extra pressure during peak holiday periods when the population swells from 1,600 residents to almost 6,400 people thanks to an influx of visitors to the area.
Upgrading the aging infrastructure will ensure water is treated to a higher standard that consistently meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines to provide locals and tourists with safer and more reliable drinking water all year round.
The project includes design and construction of the new 1.08 million litre per day treatment plant on Crescent Head Road, upgrades to existing bore field infrastructure and connections to the existing Crescent Head water supply network.
Construction is due to start in March 2026 and will be complete by mid 2027.
The NSW Government is contributing $1.3 million along with $1 million of the $45 million funding total for improving Kempsey's water and sewer system from the Australian Government's Housing Support Program, and $16.1 million from Kempsey Shire Council.
It comes on top of $12.5 million from the Australian Government's National Water Grid Fund and further $28 million from the NSW Government's Safe and Secure Water Program to fund water infrastructure projects at Steuart Mcintyre Dam, Willawarrin, Stuarts Point and Central Kempsey.
NSW DCCEEW Director of Grants Programs, Kirsty Fenton said:
"This is a significant investment in Crescent Head's future, and securing a contractor means construction is just around the corner, gearing up to bring the town's infrastructure into a new era.
"With a modern treatment plant in place, the community can have confidence their drinking water is clean, reliable and ready to support the town for many decades to come.
"This plant is part of a string of upgrades we're funding across the region to help deliver top-quality, essential services across Kempsey Shire".
Mayor of Kempsey Shire Council, Kinne Ring said:
"Crescent Head, one of the jewels of the Mid North Coast, is home to a growing population and attracts thousands of visitors every year. This project is critical for securing the town's water supply over the long term.
"The new plant will be designed to significantly boost the quality of our drinking water and meet seasonal demand when the population more than triples.
"We are grateful to have the Australian and NSW Government's support on another key infrastructure project that will help to deliver cleaner, more reliable water to the community and unlock opportunities for further tourism and economic growth."
