Orange residents are closer to seeing a new innovative water supply solution roll into town as a preliminary business case gets underway to look at constructing the first purified recycled water treatment demonstration plant in regional NSW.
It's thanks to a $400,000 partnership between the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments and Orange City Council to explore the feasibility of building pioneering new infrastructure that will showcase how this technology works and whether it will provide another option for long-term water security in the Central West.
The plant will use cutting-edge technology to treat and recycle wastewater to an extremely high standard that will be used by the Cadia Gold Mine for industrial purposes.
It's estimated the plant will produce approximately 3.5 megalitres of water per day, which is roughly a quarter of Orange's daily needs.
Using purified recycled water (PRW) is a great way to increase water supply resilience and takes the pressure off existing water sources.
The design will allow for future expansion down the track if the plant proves to be successful and the community supports this move.
A learning centre is in scope to be built alongside the demonstration plant to enable locals to come along and get a better understanding of the benefits of recycled water and how the process works.
If approved, the plant will be the second groundbreaking water security solution for the region following the introduction of stormwater harvesting in 2009 which can deliver up to a quarter of the town's water needs.
The funding for the preliminary business case includes $200,000 from the Australian Government's National Water Grid Fund, $100,000 from the NSW Government and $100,000 from Orange City Council.
Work will begin shortly and is expected to be complete by June 2025.
The NSW Government's draft Recycled Water Roadmap outlines actions to address barriers and pave the way for increased and expanded recycled water use in the future, including drinking and non-drinking purposes, where it is safe, beneficial and cost-effective.
For more information, consult the Recycled Water Roadmap.
Senator for New South Wales, Senator Deborah O'Neill:
"This $400,000 investment is a bold step toward increasing water security for the Central West, offering a pioneering solution to the region's water challenges. The collaboration highlights the Albanese Government's commitment to innovative infrastructure solutions that improve resilience in the face of climate challenges."
"It's exciting to see the Albanese Government's National Water Grid Fund supporting Orange's water security future. It's another example of how federal and state Labor governments are working together to support communities in regional NSW."
"Through a joint effort between the federal and state governments and Orange City Council, we're working to bring cutting-edge water technology to the region. The proposed purified recycled water treatment plant will not only help secure a sustainable water supply for industrial use at Cadia Gold Mine but also serve as a vital demonstration of how this technology can support the region's long-term water needs. The investment reflects our dedication to finding practical, forward-thinking solutions that benefit local communities and bolster water resilience across New South Wales."
NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson MLC said:
"I'm proud to announce that we've come together with the Federal Government and Orange City Council to explore the possibility of using purified recycled water.
"This is an ingenious solution that makes the most of the water we already have and increases our resilience to challenges such as drought and a changing climate.
"Recycled water is already being used in 35 cities across the globe and is currently being tested at Quakers Hill in Sydney's west.
"It is still early days for New South Wales, and we have to do our due diligence first, but it's exciting to think of the possibilities this cutting-edge technology could offer as we progress work on the draft Recycled Water Roadmap."
Member for Orange Phil Donato MP said:
"Orange is one of the fastest growing regional towns in the state with tourism, agriculture and mining and that's one of the reasons water security is so critically important for the Central West.
"I'm pleased that this business case is progressing thanks to support from all levels of Government. If it goes ahead, this demonstration facility can play an important role in long-term work to improve regional water security and can also unlock jobs and greater economic development in the area."
Mayor of Orange City Council, Tony Mileto said:
"Orange has proven it's on the front foot when it comes to water solutions, such as our award-winning stormwater harvesting scheme - we've always been forward thinking when it comes to looking at alternative ways to secure and use water.
"We're looking forward to becoming the first regional city in NSW to look at trialing purified recycled water to safeguard our resources, and ensure our community is in a stronger position to withstand the next drought.
"Because of our experience using stormwater harvesting for potable use, survey results show that residents are open to exploring the use of using recycled water, and having a demonstration plant will enable them to see how the technology works up close and in action."
