Cowarra Water Supply Scheme

Construction of a new water treatment plant (WTP), just south of Cowarra Dam.

In conjunction, we will construct a clear water reservoir and northern arm trunk main from the reservoir to the water distribution systems of Sancrox, Thrumster and Port Macquarie.

We are also continuing the construction of the southern arm trunk main along Houston Mitchell Drive to directly connect to the Camden Haven water distribution system.

This project aims to:

• Increase water supply to address future demand
• Enhance water security during low and high rain events
• Optimise network storage and connectivity by creating a water supply ring main
• Upgrade the water supply system to ensure reliable delivery of water to the community
• Provide multiple barrier treatment to improve water quality
• Improve reliability, redundancy, and resilience of our regions water supply infrastructure.

The initial project scoping, study and option evaluation have been completed.

The remaining project milestones are:

*Timeline is subject to change.

Site investigations and design for the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme - Northern Arm Trunk Main:

 As part of design investigation for the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme, Council is now undertaking site investigations, including: service locating, surveying and geotechnical testing adjacent to the following streets; Burrawan Forest Drive, Oxley Highway (from Burrawan Forest Drive to John Oxley Drive), John Oxley Drive, Philip Charley Drive, The Ruins Way, Major Innes Road, Braeroy Drive, Kyla Crescent, Emmaus Court, Colonel Barney Drive, Greenmeadows Drive, Ocean Drive. Additionally, these investigations will also be conducted to the rear of properties in the following streets: Lewin Court, Annabella Drive, Blackwood Street, Redgum Circuit, Macleay Place, Currawong Drive, Coucal Close, Caitlin Darcy Parkway, The Sanctuary Close. Please refer to the areas shown in the overview map here(PNG, 34MB). 

We have engaged Tonkin Engineering to carry out the site investigations, planning and design work on behalf of Council. Site investigation works are expected to commence late May to early June 2024 and will continue through to late 2024. 

Port Macquarie Hastings Council is committed to genuine consultation about this project with the local community and other stakeholders.

Prior to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) phase of the project we:

• Engaged with key stakeholders such as Forestry Corporation NSW, Hastings Valley Motorcycle Club and Port Macquarie Cycling Club
• Engaged with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), and the NSW Environment Protection Agency
• Liaised with Birpai and Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

During the EIS preparation phase we:

• Have a free-call 1800 066 243 and project email address contact@ghd.com for you to contact us on.
• Are holding community drop-in sessions for both the Cowarra water supply scheme and the associated Thrumster wastewater scheme

Past community sessions

• 10 & 11 October 2023 (2 drop-in sessions)
• 4 April 2024 (1 industry briefing)
• 23 May 2024 (2 drop-in sessions)
• 11 July 2024 (1 pop-up session)
• 15 July 2024 (1 pop-up session)
• 16 July 2024 (2 drop-in sessions)
• 17 July 2024 (1 pop-up session)

We will consider all input and feedback during the development of the EIS. Your feedback will be collated and considered by the project team as they conduct their investigations and prepare their reports. Feedback relating to project refinements will be passed on to the project directors. We thank you in advance for taking the time to help improve the project.

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) assesses the project’s potential environmental impacts and outlines how Port Macquarie Hastings Council will manage them. 

The EIS submission to NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure includes documents with over a total of 1,900 pages.

To help you navigate the EIS we have prepared a summary brochure(PDF, 12MB) which summarises the EIS for the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme and contains an easy-to-use reference guide.

Have your say

The New South Wales government will be exhibiting the EIS for a 28-day period from 3 July 2024.

During this time the community and other stakeholders are invited to make a submission in support of the proposal or detailing your concerns about it.

If you would like to make a submission visit: planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/cowarra-water-supply-scheme