AN almost $5 million project to drought-proof the small northern NSW communities of Boggabilla and Toomelah will soon get underway after a Coffs Harbour-based company was awarded the contract to construct a new large bi-directional water pipeline, pump station and inlet infrastructure.
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The company, Coastal Works, will sub-contract out parts of the work to local companies to build the Boggabilla to Toomelah Water Supply Transfer System, with work scheduled to start within weeks.
With the project attracting 13 tenderers, the Request for Tender process was one of the largest seen by Moree Plains Shire Council in recent years.
“This is an exciting day for the project and the Boggabilla and Toomelah communities,” Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said today.
“Securing an appropriately qualified contractor to deliver the construction works for the pipeline for this job is an important milestone and I hope to see work on-site within a few weeks.”
Council’s Water and Waste Manager David Wolfenden said the project would secure the long-term water supply of Boggabilla and Toomelah townships through the construction of a pipeline that will allow each community to draw water from the other.
It will also address water quality by way of additional treatment within the system.
The NSW Government is funding the total cost of the works, in the order of $4.6 million, from its Water Security for Regions program, with the project being delivered by Moree Plains Shire Council.
Mr Marshall said the new pipeline and associated upgrades would ensure Boggabilla and Toomelah could depend on water from their taps, even through the very dry times.
“This means that residents can look forward to reliable, clean water – no matter what the weather may throw at them,” he said.
“The current water supply infrastructure for Toomelah has hit its use-by-date, with water sourced from a single artesian bore via an electrical pump.
There have been instances when the town’s water supply has failed during the hotter months and water has had to be trucked in by council.
“For Boggabilla, silt from floods can clog up the existing water inlets, causing problems with flow and water quality.
“Through this investment, both towns will have the flexibility to pump water to where it's needed, helping these towns grow sustainably into the future.”
The work to be undertaken includes:
· Construction of a new bi-directional pipeline between Boggabilla and Toomelah;
· New inlet infrastructure at Boggabilla; and
· Transfer pump stations in Boggabilla and Toomelah.
