Access to a safe and secure supply of town water is soon to be a reality for the residents of the small village of Biniguy, with construction well underway on the Biniguy Potable Water Project.
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The $3.96 million Moree Plains Shire Council project - which has been fully funded under the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Water Security for Regions program – will see water piped 11.5km from the existing Pallamallawa reservoir and provide a treated supply to the village’s 31 homes.
Council’s water project manager Graham Macpherson said although many residents had been surviving using their own bore water for many years, the quality of the water was causing many detrimental impacts and was not a safe option for drinking.
“This project is long overdue, but would never have been able to happen without state government funding,” he said.
“The residents of Biniguy have been incredibly resourceful and getting by with bottled water for drinking, but the bore water wreaks absolute havoc with household appliances and its safety cannot be guaranteed.
“The Biniguy Potable Water Project will deliver a reliable and safe supply to the village, saving the ratepayer significant costs including that of bore maintenance and replacement, the purchasing of bottled water, and regular replacement of appliances.
“It will also ensure supply regardless of drought and power outages, and will shore up the township’s firefighting abilities.”
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The first stage of the project is being undertaken by local contractors Border Civil of Goondiwindi, and involves the laying of 110mm diameter pipe from the Pallamallawa reservoir site at Macey Street, east along River Road, and under the Gwydir River.
From there, the pipeline will continue on the northern side of the Gwydir Highway, past “Trawalla” pecan nut farm and up to Biniguy.
Two 60kL reservoirs will be installed at Biniguy Avenue opposite Eaton Street, and a reticulation system throughout the village will deliver a supply to each residence as well as fire hydrants at every 80 metres. The Pallamallawa bore will also be upgraded to accommodate the additional demand.
Notably, the project will also provide a supply to the Stahmann Farms “Trawalla” pecan nut farm for use in its on-site workers’ accommodation.
Mayor Cr Katrina Humphries said “it is such a worthy project for our council to take on”.
“Yes, it’s about clean water, but that water also ensures the sustainability of the Biniguy community for generations to come, and provides new opportunities for development,” she said.
“The project is also putting money back into the local community, as the 15 to 20 workers that will be involved across the duration of the project stay, eat and drink in the neighbouring Pallamallawa community.
“In a drought year like this one, it’s great to have some really positive activity going on in our little villages, and I can’t wait until the Biniguy residents get to have their first drop of town water.”
The project is expected to be completed in early 2019.
