WILLOW Tree’s water woes are finally over, with a $4.8m pipeline drought-proofing the town.
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The pipeline, which connects the town to Quirindi’s water supply, was funded by the state government’s Water Security for Regions Program.
In dry weather, Willow Tree was frequently subjected to the harshest of water restrictions and Liverpool Plains Shire Council (LPSC) was often forced to truck water to the village.
LPSC mayor Andrew Hope said he was “tickled pink” with the result.
“It’s an amazing outcome. The community has been waiting many years for this,” Cr Hope said.
“To have it fully funded by the government is fantastic, we would never have got it without their support.”
Water Minister Barnaby Joyce and Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen joined Cr Hope in turning the pipeline on yesterday.
Mr Joyce said access to an afford and reliable water source was essential for a strong community.
“It’s great to have another water infrastructure project out of the way, on time and under budget, driving the community forward,” the New England MP said.
Cr Hope said the Willow Tree pipeline was part of council’s long-term vision to drought proof the shire through the Liverpool Plains Regional Water Supply Scheme.
“There were sceptics a few years ago who scoffed at the scope of the $24 million project yet here we are today, thanks to partnerships with both state and federal governments, and we can proudly tick off the safety upgrade and augmentation of Quipolly Dam, the commissioning of the new $380,000 bore and associated pipeline for the Wallabadah supply and this vital project for Willow Tree,” he said.
A new water treatment plant at Werris Creek is the next project on council’s list, estimated to cost $27m.
“The plant was built in 1930 and it doesn’t cope with the demand,” Cr Hope said.
“We’ll also interlink all our water supplies – if something goes wrong at one water source, we can turn it off and redirect water from another water source to cover it.
“We’ve applied for $10 million in federal government funding and $10 million in state funding. Council will borrow the rest and repay it over time.
“If we’re successful in our application, it should be the last part of our water strategy.”