NSW State Government Grant; Safe and Secure Water Program Grant
Published on 07 November 2024
Uralla Shire Council is pleased to announce that it has received a grant of up to $855,315 from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the Safe and Secure Water Program to develop a comprehensive 30-year water strategy for our community.
The funds will enable Council to complete several studies to identify major risks facing the long-term management of the region’s water supply and wastewater systems and develop options to improve reliability and sustainability. A central component of the studies will be investigating water supply challenges including undertaking a water security assessment.
Under the terms of the grant Deed of Agreement, Council will be required to contribute 10% towards the cost of the work.
At the recent Council meeting on 29 October, it was noted the appointment of NSW Public Works to manage the water strategy study items with the purpose of developing a 30-year water strategy for the region.
NSW Public Works has a proven track record when it comes to strategic planning for several NSW local councils. The water strategy aims to ensure that there is a sound evidence base to justify the necessary capital works essential for the provision of appropriate, affordable and cost-effective urban water services and that Council’s service provisions will continue to meet the communities needs and protect public health and the environment for the next 30 years and beyond. In addition, it will support Council’s application for grant funding for future capital works programs.
Council also noted the appointment of a Project Manager to oversee the work, coordinate, plan and manage subconsultants, and facilitate the investigation of both short- and long-term risks and actions to reduce the risk of future arsenic contamination of the water supply.
An important part of the program is to include input and feedback from the community and stakeholders into planning decisions for the water and wastewater services of the towns of Uralla and Bundarra.
Council has engaged a specialist consultancy, Becscomm Pty Ltd, to assist Council with rolling out a program of community and stakeholder consultation. Becscomm is experienced in delivering large engagement programs for local and state government projects across NSW and ACT.
The community and stakeholder engagement program will build on the consultation and engagement completed in 2020/2021 and include a survey, meetings with key stakeholders and community groups, and a community information session to capture feedback. Feedback from these activities will inform Council’s decision making for future planning for water and wastewater services.
Council will also be working closely with NSW Health on water quality concerns and identifying opportunities to ensure that the region’s water supply remains compliant with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Similarly, engagement with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) will occur with regards to the performance of Council’s wastewater system with a view to meeting or exceeding the environmental regulator’s operating requirements.
The $1 billion Safe and Secure Water Program is currently funding more than 250 projects across NSW that are in various stages of delivery. A timeline of activities can be found on Council’s website.
Further information can be obtained by contacting the Council.