Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall formally commenced construction on the new $3.96 million Biniguy Water Project this morning. They were ably assisted by four of Biniguy’s youngest residents Harley and Braxton Williams (with Mayor Humphries), Levi Hancock (with Mr Marshall) and Tobey Williams on the truck.
Tuesday, 30 October 2018
THE small community of Biniguy, east of Moree, will soon have a secure potable water supply for the first time in its history with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries today turning the first sod of soil to formally commence construction on the $3.96 million water pipeline project.
Mr Marshall said the work, which was funded by the NSW Government, includes the construction of an 11.5 kilometre water pipeline from the Pallamallawa Water Supply to two 60 kilolitre reservoirs at Biniguy and installing a reticulation system throughout the village to provide access to a safe and reliable treated water supply.
“This is a historic day and brilliant news for the current and future residents of Biniguy, who have always had to rely on bore water and rainwater tanks,” Mr Marshall said.
“As demonstrated by the drought currently gripping NSW, as well as previous droughts, this is not a secure or sustainable water supply for the community.
“I am delighted to see this commitment from the State Government and Moree Plains Shire Council to ensuring our small country communities have reliable access to safe drinking water.”
The Biniguy Water Supply Project was awarded $3.96 million in from the NSW Water Security for Regions program and is being managed by council.
Mr Marshall said many of the septic tanks in the village were ageing which presented a potential risk for ongoing bore water usage.
“As the tanks age there is an increased risk of cracks and groundwater contamination, which could in turn contaminate the bore water,” he said.
“That presents a significant health risk to the community and could require the use of alternative water sources such as costly water carting or bottled water.
“The Biniguy Water Supply Project will negate that risk by providing residents with a safe and reliable source of water for drinking and household use.
“It will have untold positive benefits for generations of Binguy residents into the future because without good quality drinking water and a secure supply, we have nothing.
“I congratulate council on its vision and leadership, putting together such a comprehensive proposal that the government was pleased to fund. It’s a great partnership – council puts together a detailed project design, government funds it and council then delivers the final product.”
An excited Cr Humphries said the project transform life in the village for residents and would also ensure the fire fighters could access water in a fire emergency.
“Currently the Biniguy Rural Fire Service needs to return to their shed every five to 10 minutes to refill their trucks during a fire, but this project will see fire hydrants installed throughout the village as well as supplying treated water to the fire station,” Cr Humphries said.
“The hardness of the bore water has meant costly maintenance and the regular replacement of fire fighting equipment, something that residents also experience with their appliances, air conditioning and hot water systems.
“The water supplied from the pipeline and reservoir will be softer and cleaner, and will ensure ongoing water security for the Biniguy community.
“This is such a wonderful project for another small community in our Shire and we’re pleased to be able to partner with the State Government to make it happen.”
Work on the Biniguy Water Project is scheduled for completion in six months.