IT’S been years in the making, with three levels of government needed to get it across the line, but work on the Quipolly Water Project is finally underway.
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The all-encompassing $28.4 million plan includes a new water reservoir for Werris Creek, a new water treatment plant at Quipolly Dam and new pipelines to Werris Creek and Quirindi – guaranteeing the future water supply of townships in the Liverpool Plains including Werris Creek, Willow Tree and Quirindi.
The federal and state governments both contributed $10 million each, with Liverpool Plains Shire Council kicking in the remaining $8.4 million.
LPSC mayor Andrew Hope said once the project was completed, the population of Werris Creek could triple without placing a strain on its water supply.
“At $28 million, this is the largest investment in our community to date and it is great to see work underway now on the ground,” Cr Hope said.
“Staff in council have been planning the project for years and the support we have had from both state and federal government has been exceptional.”
New England MP Barnaby said the old Werris Creek treatment plant was nearly 90 years old and needed constant repairs.
“With the dry conditions at the moment, providing better water security for our towns is critical and this project will deliver that confidence in the Liverpool Plains Shire Council area,” he added.
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson and Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen both lobbied the NSW government for funding, too.
“We’ve been through three Primary Industries Ministers to get to where we are today,” Mr Anderson said.
“This project gives us a measure of security, and also provides fresh clean running water for Werris Creek.”
Mr Johnsen said the project would deliver “absolute water security” for the Liverpool Plains.
“Water security is much more valuable to our communities than anyone could ever imagine,” he said.