Hunter Water (NSW) has invested $15.5million for new water and sewer infrastructure for Lochinvar.
The funding will go towards a project that includes laying a 3 kilometre watermain from Winders Lane to a soon to be built pumping station on St Helena Close, and constructing a new sewage pump station on the New England Highway.
The investment will cater for 5,000 new homes that will be built in the region, which is expected to transform from rural to residential.
The expansion of Lochinvar is a major driver of Maitland’s population boom, which is expected to reach 100,000 people by 2040.
Hunter Water Interim CEO, Jeremy Bath, said the project would help bring affordable housing and families to the area.
“Lochinvar is on the brink of becoming a vibrant suburban setting, bringing with it young families and new investment and Hunter Water is excited to be a part of Lochinvar’s transformation,” Mr Bath said.
Building the water and sewer infrastructure now means that development of the region can proceed more quickly.
Mr Bath said that “The $4million pipeline to be built between Winders Lane and St Helena Close will not only supply the urban release area, but also improve water security for nearby Greta.
“Hunter Water is in the midst of a record investment in the Maitland area, with $205million to be spent in the area over the next decade.”
Mr Bath said that Maitland is one of the biggest growth areas in NSW, this means that each new home needs its taps to run with good pressure, and toilets to flush away for high quality treatment.
“Farley Waste Water Treatment Works processes the sewage from Maitland and its western suburbs, and will also undergo a $48million expansion to allow for the new development in the area.
“In East Maitland, Morpeth Waste Water Treatment Works will receive an $18million upgrade, allowing it to treat hundreds of litres more in sewage every second, and service the new Lower Hunter Hospital at Metford,” Mr Bath said.
The work in Maitland not only provide infrastructure for the future but it will also provide an economic boost for the region, with hundreds of workers shopping and dining in the area.
“Hunter Water’s upgrades in Maitland make up part of the $1billion, 10 year infrastructure program that is about allowing our region to grow and prosper with high quality water and sewer services while keeping water prices the cheapest in the country,” Mr Bath said.
Work in Lochinvar will start in January 2016 and be completed the end of 2017.
