Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall at Malpas Dam, where Guyra’s future water supply could soon be sourced.
Monday, 11 December 2017
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has today welcomed strong support from Armidale Regional Council for the construction of a new 19.8 kilometre water pipeline from Malpas Dam to Guyra, to permanently address the community’s water security issues.
Mr Marshall has been busily lobbying for funding from the NSW Government to construct the pipeline, which has been costed at around $13 million, over the last five months.
“Council’s support for this project is absolutely vital and I am delighted that the newly-elected Councillors have given the green light to this one-in-a-generation infrastructure project to proceed,” Mr Marshall said.
“This will not only permanently resolve Guyra’s periodic water security issues in dry times, but also unlock the significant potential the Guyra district has for further horticultural, industrial and residential development.
“Now that council has completed its business case and given the project its full support, I am very confident of our compelling case for funding being positively received by government.”
Mr Marshall has sought $10.5 million from the NSW Government, with the remainder of the project to be funded by either the Federal Government or council.
The MP has previously tabled a petition of around 1,500 signatures in parliament supporting the project, but he believes that council’s strong support is the final clinching element to his case to the government.
“This pipeline could singlehandedly solve Guyra’s water security and quality issues for decades,” Mr Marshall said.
“With low rainfall threatening to leave Guyra dry in recent years, it’s clear that action must be taken soon to allow the community’s continued growth as a residential and horticultural destination.”
Guyra uses an average 423 megalitres of water each year, with demand steadily increasing, which far exceeds the town’s storage capacity of 277 megalitres. The pipeline will expand that capacity to more than 740 megalitres, exceeding anticipated growth over the next 30 years. Water quality will also be dramatically improved.
“With demand for water in Guyra growing and far outstripping the current supply and storage capacity, this pipeline is essential to ensure Guyra’s future,” Mr Marshall said.
“I’d like to see every local get on board – and trust that many others will join the fight. Together, we can ensure that Guyra’s water security is no longer a pipe dream.”