Public consultation on the future of Mullumbimby's water supply has one week to go and members of the community are urged to have a say on this major infrastructure project for the town.
With the 28-day public consultation period ending on 30 June, Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon said it is important that the entire community understand the choices and have a say, through Council's online survey or at an information session.
"From four identified supply scenarios, the consultants and Council's engineering staff have recommended permanent connection of Mullumbimby to Rous County Council's regional water supply," Mayor Lyon said.
"This option was identified as having the best short and long-term outcomes for ratepayers and the environment and we want to hear what the community thinks."
The consultants have found that Mullumbimby's water demand will continue to increase with development and population growth and the current water supply, from historic Lavertys Gap weir, will not meet forecast demand without the potential for more frequent and severe water restrictions.
The four future supply scenarios identified by the consultants are:
- Keep using Lavertys Gap weir with no new water source (up-front cost - above $14.4 million). System upgrades and a new water treatment plant (WTP) will be needed and beyond 2027 water restrictions may increase.
- Build a new off-stream storage to store high flows that overtop the weir (up-front cost – above $36 million). System upgrades and new WTP will also be required. This scenario could provide a secure water supply until about 2060.
- Permanent connection to the Rous regional water supply (up-front cost above $4.2 million) (recommended by consultants and council staff). Water is no longer drawn from Lavertys Gap weir and a new WTP is not needed. Rous currently provides water to towns and villages in the Byron Shire, with the exception of Mullumbimby.
- Supplementing the existing Lavertys Gap weir supply with a new groundwater source (up-front cost – above $18.1 million). Investigations will be needed to identify a viable groundwater source and a new WTP will be required.
Detailed information on each scenario, the full consultants' report and how to make a submission on the Mullumbimby Water Strategy is on Council's website.
The closing date for submissions is 5pm 30 June 2024.
Public information sessions are on this week to give people an opportunity to talk with staff about the consultants' report and its findings.
- Drop-in session at Council Chambers, Station St, Mullumbimby on Wednesday, 26 June, 5.30-7.30pm
- Mullum Farmers Market, Friday 28 June, 7am - 11am
