Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall at Malpas Dam.
Monday, 19 February 2018
MP demanding funding for Malpas Pipeline & treatment facilities
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has taken the plight of Guyra residents and their recent poor quality town water to the floor of State Parliament, describing the water as ‘foul’ and urging for immediate action to be taken.
Last week Mr Marshall formally gave notice of a motion calling upon the NSW Government to formally acknowledge Guyra’s water woes and provide funding urgently for the Guyra to Malpas Dam water pipeline to boost water quality and security for the growing community.
“While I have been assured by the council that the water is safe to drink, this is yet another demonstration of the urgent need to permanently upgrade Guyra’s water quality and security,” Mr Marshall said.
“This water quality and discolouration issue has been occurring infrequently for many years now and residents are fed up with it and urgent works must be done to ensure it does not happen again.
“This problem arises every time the town’s storage levels fall and with Guyra using far more water than is available in storage, this risks becoming a regular occurrence without immediate intervention.”
Mr Marshall said the project he wanted funded would solve the issues plaguing residents with not only a new pipeline to be constructed, but also the replacement of the town’s ageing water treatment facilities.
“I am calling on the government to urgently fund the $10.5 million Malpas Dam to Guyra water pipeline, including new water treatment facilities to ensure water is always of a high standard for residents,” he said.
“This will not only benefit every resident who uses town water, but also help provide infinite capacity for Guyra’s expanding horticultural industry.
“Armidale Regional Council is ready to start construction of this vital infrastructure and now, all that remains are the funds necessary to break ground.
“With a watertight plan for the pipeline, a clear demand from the community and with the government now on notice, I want to see this project funded without further delay.”
Mr Marshall’s Notice of Motion, Wednesday 14th February 2018:
That this House:
- Notes that the residents of Guyra are again enduring discoloured, foul smelling and poor quality potable water from their local water supply;
- Acknowledges that low water quality has been an infrequent problem in Guyra for many years and that the community’s water treatment plant is in need of replacement;
- Requests the Government fund the Malpas Dam to Guyra water pipeline, including the construction of new water treatment facilities at Guyra, to permanently resolve these issues and drought-proof the community; and
- Notes that providing long-term water security for Guyra will allow the community to continue to grow and attract more business and industry.