Kempsey has secured funding from the Australian and NSW Labor Governments to kickstart work on one of the largest water infrastructure projects on the Mid North Coast that will future proof the drinking supply of Kempsey, Frederickton, Smithtown and Gladstone.
The $52.9 million project includes $12.5 million from the Australian Government's National Water Grid Fund, $13.2 million from the NSW Government's Safe and Secure Water Program and $27.1 million from Kempsey Shire Council.
The funding will go towards building a new state-of-the-art filtration plant to treat raw water from the Steuart McIntyre Dam and Sherwood Borefield.
The new plant, located at the dam, is part of the Minns Labor Government's plan to build a better NSW and provide the Kempsey Lower Macleay region with a more robust, drought resilient drinking water system.
The 2,500 megalitre (ML) Steuart McIntyre Dam stores water from the Sherwood Borefield, located 2 kilometres away, and was built in response to the 1994 drought.
The new high-tech water treatment plant will be more efficient, lower carbon emissions and significantly boost water security and quality across the network that supplies over 18,000 residents.
The project also includes new pumps, tanks and a pipeline to connect this world-class facility to the dam and bore field.
Construction will get underway in mid-2025 and is expected to take 18 months to complete.
It builds on a further $2 million investment from the NSW Government and $6 million from Kempsey Shire Council for a new $8 million water treatment plant at Willawarrin that will lock-in high quality drinking water for the village's 130 residents for decades to come.
The NSW Government's Safe and Secure Water Program is supporting over $1 billion worth of projects across the state, with more than 260 in various stages of delivery.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek MP said:
"The Albanese Labor Government is delivering crucial projects to safeguard our water resources for the communities, industries and environments that rely on them.
"That's why we're investing in Kempsey's water supply and it's why we will continue to work with the New South Wales Government on improving water security and reliability across the state.
"This upgrade is about more than delivering critical water infrastructure, it's a cost of living measure that will benefit the community long term."
NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:
"It's fantastic to see this investment in critical infrastructure that will deliver long term water security for Kempsey and surrounding communities.
"We learnt valuable lessons from the last drought, and this project makes sure the region is more resilient and better prepared to face future challenges.
"With world class technology, better efficiency, and lower carbon emissions, this new plant will be a game changer. It will lock in water security for Kempsey and the surrounding townships, ensuring there is capacity to handle population growth, while also delivering the best possible water quality straight to the taps of residents and businesses."
Mayor of Kempsey Shire Council Kinne Ring said:
"We are committed to providing clean and reliable drinking water that protects the health of communities and minimises impacts on the environment. This project delivers on that, and more for the community.
"The significant investment will deliver on local jobs that will be created during the construction phase, which is a big win for the local economy. The plant will also be safer and more efficient to operate and maintain, allowing the Council to make better use of our resources.
"We've already partnered with the NSW Government on a number of water and sewerage projects across the Shire and we're grateful for their ongoing support, as well as the Australian Government, in ensuring the community is equipped for the future."
Learn more at Steuart McIntyre Dam Water Treatment Plant
