Armidale Regional Councillor Andrew Murat, left, Mayor Simon Murray, Deputy Mayor Dorothy Robinson, Director of Operations Mark Piorkowski, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Cr John Galletly yesterday at Malpas Dam.
Tuesday, 21 May 2019
THE construction of the 18-kilometre water pipeline from Malpas Dam to Guyra is progressing well and slightly ahead of schedule according to Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, who yesterday inspected the works along with Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray and Councillors.
Mr Marshall said construction crews were making strong headway on the $13 million project, with work underway on the new pump station and floating water intake pontoon at Malpas Dam.
The local MP welcomed news the project is expected to be finished and the first water pumped through to Guyra by mid-August.
“It really is a relief to see this pipeline, which will singlehandedly solve Guyra’s water security issues, coming close to being finished at a time when it is so desperately needed,” Mr Marshall said.
“This unprecedented dry spell has really made it clear how important it is for water security investments like this, so that business can have certainty, no matter the climate.
“If Guyra were to lose jobs from any employer, as a result of drought that loss would be felt everywhere, from the school to the supermarket, and I’m not willing to let that happen.”
Mr Marshall reconfirmed the NSW Government will provide emergency assistance to ARC to allow it to truck water from Armidale to Guyra, to ensure Guyra does not run out of water before the pipeline is complete.
“I have spoken to Water Minister Melinda Pavey and the government will provide funding to cover the cost of carting water to prevent Guyra Dam running dry before the pipeline is operational,” he said.
“Council is planning to truck half a mega-litre day into Guyra as an interim measure. The government recognises this will be costly for Council, which is why it’s willing to provide financial support.”
Yesterday, both Guyra and Armidale moved to Level 4 restrictions, which means a series of strict water conservation measures. Malpas Dam is at 52 per cent of capacity and Guyra Dam is at 32 per cent.
For more information on the levels of Malpas Dam and Guyra Dam as well as current water restriction, please visit www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/environment/water-usage-and-supply/water-restrictions