Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC) has reached a significant step in securing the future of the region's long-term water supply, awarding the contract for the design and construction of the Cowarra Water Treatment Plant.
With an estimated value of $125 million, Director Community Utilities David Holland said the Cowarra Water Treatment Plant will become the largest infrastructure investment ever undertaken by Council, forming a key component of a broader $790 million investment in water and sewer infrastructure planned across the region over the next 10 years.
The contract has been awarded to a Joint Venture between Haslin Construction Pty Ltd and Laurie Curran Water Pty Ltd. It follows NSW Government regulatory approvals and represents a critical step in strengthening the region's long-term water security as our region's population continues to grow.
"The Cowarra Water Treatment Plant is one of the most significant infrastructure projects Council will deliver, playing a vital role in ensuring the region has reliable and secure source of future water supply," Mr Holland said.
"The need to plan for future water security was reinforced during the 2019 drought, when communities across NSW, including the Mid North Coast, experienced severe water shortages and restrictions.
"That period highlighted just how important it is to invest in resilient water infrastructure that can support our community during challenging conditions."
Mayor Adam Roberts said the Cowarra Water Treatment Plant forms part of Council's long-term strategy to ensure essential infrastructure keeps pace with regional growth.
"The Cowarra Water Treatment Plant and Thrumster Wastewater Scheme, are among the most important infrastructure delivery programs Council will undertake over the next decade," he said.
"Together, these projects will provide the pipes and treatment plants which will enable and support the predicted growth of the Port Macquarie Hastings region as well as better servicing current residents.
"The Cowarra and Thrumster projects and very much intergenerational investments. I'm pleased to see our Council remaining disciplined and strategic in its approach to delivering essential infrastructure as a key priority.
"That said, our community is currently bearing the significant share of costs for these projects, which are declared State Significant Infrastructure projects. I continue to advocate for substantially more financial contributions from the State and National Governments to help ease the cost burden on our community, in delivering these critical projects."
Off the back of the Council's advocacy, PMHC has been successful in obtaining $7 million in financial support through the latest round of the Low Cost Loans Initiative (LCLI), which is very much welcomed as a starting contribution from the NSW Government.
Haslin Constructions Managing Director, Colin Woods, said the joint venture were looking forward to partnering together to deliver this vital community project.
"Haslin Constructions and Laurie Curran Water are proud to be leveraging 70 years of water infrastructure experience to deliver this vital facility on behalf of Port Macquarie Hastings Council," Mr Woods said.
"With collaborative teams and a long history in the region, The LC Haslin JV will ensure this facility is delivered safely, innovatively and in partnership with local Suppliers and Sub-Contractors."
With all project approvals now in place, PMHC will hold several upcoming community engagement sessions at Lake Innes, Thrumster and Port Macquarie, where residents can learn more about the project, ask questions, and speak directly with the project team. For dates, times and locations, visit https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Places/Events/Events-calendar/Cowarra-Water-Supply-Scheme-Information-sessions.
Further updates on the Cowarra Water Treatment Plant will be provided as the project moves through the design phase and into construction, here; https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/About-us/Our-projects/Cowarra-Water-Supply-Scheme/Cowarra-Water-Treatment-Plant.
