The 40km pipeline corridor will cross road reserves, crown land, land owned by the Australian Rail Track Corporation and some privately-owned land.

Council’s director of infrastructure Services Alan Fletcher said the proposed pipeline route was generally located in road reserves, but where access was needed to private land, council would meet with property owners.

“Council has written to 29 property owners along the proposed pipeline route to give them information about the project and seek a convenient time for a meeting at their property,” he said.

“Where temporary access to private land is required for construction, council’s Pipeline Project Team is meeting with land owners to establish appropriate Access Agreements.

“The purpose of these meetings will be to exchange information between council staff and landholders, and to record any requirements landholders may have for any future access arrangements.

“It is not expected that any formal access arrangements will be finalised at the first meeting.”

It has been noted that access may be needed to additional properties, even in instances where the pipeline itself may not be crossing onto those properties.

The proposed pipeline route was chosen by council staff and consultants with the aims of minimising the impact on the environment, allowing for cost effective construction and staying as close as possible to existing boundary fences.

The pipeline’s concept design was created by NSW Public Works.

There may be changes to the route as a result of further assessments including geo-technical investigations and the Review of Environmental Factors, which will be completed later this year. 

The proposed pipeline corridor is mostly adjacent to the western side of the New England Highway.

Construction is expected to start in 2017 and be completed in 2020, providing a much-needed secure water supply for Murrurundi.

The project is being provided with $11.5m in funding from the NSW Government through the Restart NSW Water Security for Regions program, $1.5m from the NSW Government Country Towns Water Supply and Sewage Program and $1m from Upper Hunter Shire Council through borrowed funds.

Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said the NSW Government was committed to securing essential water and wastewater infrastructure for regional communities.

“This pipeline will draw water from Lake Glenbawn to Murrurundi Reservoir, providing a more secure source of water for an area that is regularly affected by droughts and inconsistent river flows,” Mr Johnsen said.

More information on the Scone to Murrurundi Water Pipeline Project, including the proposed pipeline route, is available on council’s website at http://upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/our-services/on-your-property/water-services/murrurundi-pipeline-project.aspx