Armidale Regional Council (ARC) has lodged a scoping report with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), marking a significant milestone in its long-term water security strategy for the region.
The scoping report covers the proposed water security project:
Stage 1: Reinstatement of Oaky River Dam, construction of the Oaky to Armidale transfer pipeline, and delivery of an Armidale to Uralla water pipeline, extending regional water security to Uralla. Together these will give the region a second, independent water source and extend water security to Uralla.
Stage 2: Raising the Malpas Dam spillway by 6.5 metres to increase long-term storage. This will be delivered when water demand growth across the region confirms it is required, with indicative timeframes showing it may be needed by 2041.
Its lodgement formally initiates the State Significant Infrastructure environmental assessment process under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
The Scoping Report outlines the scope of environmental and community impact assessments that will be carried out as part of a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which will be placed on public exhibition once completed.
ARC Mayor Sam Coupland said the scoping report marks a significant milestone in securing the region’s long-term water future.
“The 2019 drought highlighted just how vulnerable our region’s water supply could be and reinforced the need to take decisive action to improve our water security,” Mayor Coupland said.
“Ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for our communities has been one of my highest priorities, and this milestone reflects years of planning, investigation and hard work.
“Over the past five years, Council has completed the technical studies, environmental investigations and planning required to reach this point. Lodging the scoping report is a major step forward in progressing a project that will provide lasting benefits for future generations.
“While there is still more work to be done, this achievement demonstrates Council’s commitment to delivering a long-term solution to one of the most important challenges facing our region.”
Uralla Shire Mayor Robert Bell said Council remains committed to exploring all viable options to strengthen long-term water security for the community.
“My Council’s priority is ensuring our community has a secure and reliable water supply during future droughts. Through the Water Working Party, we are continuing to work with Armidale Regional Council to explore regional water security solutions and assess the costs, benefits and funding arrangements associated with them. Residents can be assured that Council’s focus is on finding the best long-term outcome for Uralla that strengthens water security while remaining fair and financially responsible.”
Why Oaky River Dam comes first
The project is staged for a practical reason: restoring Oaky River Dam first gives the region a second, independent water source. Once operational, Oaky River Dam will supply up to 25 megalitres per day to Armidale, enough to supply the community while Malpas Dam is temporarily taken offline for works associated with raising the spillway in Stage 2.
Raising the Malpas Dam requires partially dewatering the storage and carrying out major structural works. Without a backup supply, this would pose an unacceptable risk to the region’s water security during construction. Oaky River Dam eliminates that risk.
What happens next
DPHI will review the Scoping Report and issue Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs), which set out the matters Council must address in the full Environmental Impact Statement.
Council will then commission specialist studies and prepare the EIS, which will be placed on public exhibition. The community and stakeholders will be invited to have their say before any approval decision is made.
Council will work with landholders along the pipeline corridor and downstream of both dams to inform them of the project and the assessment process.
Construction of Stage 1 is anticipated to commence late 2028, subject to funding availability and environmental approval.
For more information on the Armidale Water Security project visit yoursay.armidale.nsw.gov.au/water-security-project
To view the scoping report visit the NSW Government Planning Portal.
Media Release: Armidale Regional Council
