It’s been a long time coming.

But, a new reservoir is now operating in Murrurundi, thanks to more than $900,000 from the NSW Government under its Safe and Secure Water Program.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey was on hand to open it along with Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Upper Hunter mayor Maurice Collison.

It also complements the NSW-funded $13 million Scone to Murrurundi Pipeline Project.

Mr Layzell said up until now, the residents of Murrurundi had been reliant on two small reservoirs for its water supply.

“The government has worked closely with council to deliver the 1,650kl concrete reservoir,” he added.

“It’s more than three times bigger than the two older reservoirs it is replacing.

“The new larger reservoir provides Murrurundi with more water storage capacity and helps the town prepare for future drought events.”

Mrs Pavey said while the recent rains had boosted local water supply across regional NSW, now was not the time to be complacent.

“We need to use the precious gift of time these rain events have given us to prepare and plan moving forward, building the infrastructure and systems required to future-proof regional communities against drought,” she explained.

“This project is a great example of how we are all working together to build a safer and stronger regional NSW.”

Cr Collison said the town had increased confidence in its water supply for now and the future.

“The new reservoir increases stored water capacity leading to a stronger and more resilient water supply for the town,” he stated.

“We would like to thank the NSW Government for providing the funding assistance.”

The Scone to Murrurundi water pipeline officially opened in May 2020, pumping water along a 40km pipeline originating from Glenbawn Dam, near Scone.

This new reservoir will store water from the pipeline for the Murrurundi township.

Since it was established in 2017, the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program has committed more than $745 million to water infrastructure projects, and funding has been approved for 177 projects.

For more information on the NSW Government initiative, go to www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/safe-and-secure-water-program

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