Hunter residents will have an opportunity to find out more about the proposed Lostock Dam to Glennies Creek Dam Pipeline Project next week.
Water Infrastructure NSW (WINSW) and Hunter Water are set to host drop-in community information sessions on the development, as well as plans for the Paterson River Connection.
Locals can attend either the Tocal Agricultural College on Tuesday 22 August or Singleton Library on Wednesday 23 August from 11am to 1pm and 5pm until 7pm.
WINSW executive director of development Lisa Hingerty admitted work on the final business case, which would enable the NSW Government to make a robust investment decision about the future of the pipeline, was gaining momentum.
“The team has been swinging into action and completed fieldwork across the Greater Hunter that will shape the look and feel of the project,” she said.
“This includes environmental, geotechnical, heritage, social and land use investigations, and ground condition assessments that will underpin the concept design of the pipeline along with the best route options.
“We’ve also been honing-in on the hydrological modelling to get a clearer understanding of the benefits and any impacts it will have on the overall water system.
“Completing planning and development is a critical first step in enabling the NSW Government to determine whether this is the most effective way to lock-in water security for the Hunter particularly with a drought on the doorstep.”
The final business case, which will be completed in mid-2024, is investigating a new two-way pipeline between Lostock and Glennies Creek dams, as well as pump stations.
It’s also looking at constructing a pump station, water treatment plant and pipeline on the Paterson River to access river flows downstream of Lostock Dam to increase water supply to the Maitland region.
Ms Hingerty said community stakeholder engagement was a top priority.
“We are working proactively with landholder and communities to discuss the pros and cons and to look at ways to mitigate any potential risks which is why I encourage everyone to come along to the drop-in sessions,” she added.
It builds on prior face-to-face information sessions in September and December, along with engagement with more than 40 landholders and meetings with Aboriginal parties, local councils, water users and other community groups.
For more information on the drop-in sessions, visit the website at water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/water-infrastructure-nsw/regional-projects/lostock-glennies-creek-pipeline, phone 1300 081 047 or email [email protected]
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