The $3.5 million water and sewerage upgrade in Nelligen has begun, with work on new pumping stations, transfer pipelines, and two new 880KL water reservoirs underway, getting residents closer to reticulated water access.
New South Wales Minister for Water, Rose Jackson, said the Nelligen Water Supply and Sewerage Scheme will take 160 residents off rainwater and septic tanks thanks to $3.5 million funding from the State Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program.
“This project is a game changer for residents and businesses who will benefit hugely from top-notch drinking water delivered straight to their taps, especially those that struggle to collect and store enough rainwater,” Ms Jackson said.
“We also know many properties don’t have suitable space or proper soil for their own on-site sewage disposal so we’re building new pipelines and a pressure sewerage system that will transfer wastewater to the Batemans Bay Sewage Treatment Plant.
“Fewer septic tanks means much less chance of system failures and pump outs which can be harmful to the environment and risk contaminating the groundwater supply so this upgrade will assist in protecting this beautiful region for generations to come.”
Member for Bega, Michael Holland, said cleaner water and better sewerage systems will help future proof the area.
“The South Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in our state so it’s vital that even smaller townships like Nelligen are equipped with the best services possible to encourage people to live there and stay longer,” Mr Holland said.
“Living outside large cities shouldn’t mean second-rate utilities and that’s why the government is right behind this scheme.”
Eurobodalla Shire Mayor, Mathew Hatcher, said up to 30 full-time and part-time equivalent jobs will be created thanks to the project.
“Investing in water and sewerage upgrades not only builds thriving communities, but it injects money into the local economy,” Mayor Hatcher said.
“It’s great to see the progress being made on this new infrastructure, including two new 880KL water reservoirs which are well underway, and tenders about to be advertised for the water reticulation and pressure sewerage system.”
The project is due to be completed by December 2024.
The New South Wales Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program is supporting more than $1 billion worth of infrastructure projects across the state, with over 250 in various stages of delivery.
