Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Rose Jackson MLC, NSW Minister for Water
Narrandera is on the path to safer and more reliable water after receiving $908,000 in funding from the Albanese Government to develop a full business case for a new state of the art water filtration plant.
This will outline the critical plans and preliminary design for the proposed Narrandera Water Treatment Plant project, paving the way for the construction phase, pending future funding and approval.
This project is a key priority for the region, aimed at securing a clean and sustainable water supply for residents and businesses for generations to come. It could help to diversify the water supply by reducing the reliance on groundwater and investigating river water options.
The current Narrandera water supply draws from bores drilled in the 1960s and is treated with chlorination to make it drinkable.
This system faces several challenges that compromise the quality and reliability of the town's water supply, including high iron and manganese levels often exceeding Australian Drinking Water Supply Guidelines. Its current location on a floodplain also makes it susceptible to contamination events.
Narrandera Shire Council will match the Australian Government contribution, provided through the National Water Grid Fund, with the full business case anticipated to cost up to $1.82 million and take approximately 20 months to complete.
A full business case is a vital step in enabling governments to make informed water infrastructure investment decisions that are guided by the best evidence available, including a cost benefit analysis.
Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt:
"We're pleased to be backing this project and supporting Narrandera's planning for better access to more reliable water so the community can continue to thrive for generations to come.
"It's great to see all levels of government working together to deliver lasting outcomes that will ensure regional communities have the essential services they deserve."
Quotes attributable to the NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson:
"It is fantastic to see the Australian Government's National Water Grid Fund putting nearly $1 million on the table to help strengthen water security for the 5,700 residents of Narrandera.
"By working closely with the Australian Government and local councils, we are delivering projects that are tailored to the needs of each community to give them access to safer, more secure water over the long term."
Quotes attributable to the Mayor of Narrandera Shire Council Cr Neville Kschenka:
"This is great news for Narrandera and will allow us to move forward with the planning required to deliver a project that is essential for our long-term water security.
"A new water treatment plant would future-proof our water supply and be a vital asset for generations to come, and this funding puts us on the path to making it a reality."
