Water Infrastructure NSW (WINSW) and Hunter Water have invited Hunter residents to join community information sessions on the proposed Lostock Dam to Glennies Creek Dam Pipeline Project and Paterson River Connection project on 22 and 23 August 2023.
The drop-in sessions will be held at 11am–1pm and 5–7pm at Tocal Agricultural College on 22 August 2023 and Singleton Library on 23 August 2023 to get locals up to speed with the project.
WINSW Executive Director of Development, Lisa Hingerty, said work on the final business case – which would enable the NSW Government to make a robust investment decision about the future of the pipeline – was gaining momentum.
“The team has been swinging into action and has completed fieldwork across the Greater Hunter that will shape the look and feel of the project,” Ms Hingerty said.
“This includes environmental, geotechnical, heritage, social and land use investigations, and ground condition assessments that will underpin the concept design of the pipeline along with the best route options.
“We’ve also been honing in on the hydrological modelling to get a clearer understanding of the benefits and any impacts it will have on the overall water system.
“Completing planning and development is a critical first step in enabling the New South Wales Government to determine whether this is the most effective way to lock in water security for the Hunter, particularly with a drought on the doorstep.”
The final business case, to be completed in mid-2024, will investigate a new two-way pipeline between Lostock and Glennies Creek Dams as well as pump stations to improve connectivity and transfer water where it is needed most.
It will also look at constructing a pump station, water treatment plant and pipeline on the Paterson River to access river flows downstream of Lostock Dam to increase water supply to the Maitland region.
Ms Hingerty said community stakeholder engagement was a top priority.
“We are working proactively with landholders and communities to discuss the pros and cons and to look at ways to mitigate any potential risks, which is why I encourage everyone to come along to the drop-in sessions,” Ms Hingerty said.
The sessions build on prior face-to-face information sessions in September and December 2022, along with engagement with more than 40 landholders and meetings with Aboriginal parties, local councils, water users and other community groups.
Featured image: Lostock Dam. Courtesy of NSW Water.
