Liverpool Plains Shire Council (LPSC) awarded the contract for the design and construction to Gongues Constructions. It's the largest infrastructure project the council has ever undertaken.

The project will deliver high-quality drinking water to Werris Creek, Quirindi, and Willow Tree while providing for the interlinking of these water supplies to drought-proof the area.

Read also:

"In awarding the contract to Gongues Constructions, careful consideration was given to their capacity to deliver this critical project," mayor Doug Hawkins said.

"Gongues have extensive experience in the construction of water and waste water projects and have teamed up with GHD, one of the world's leading professional services companies, to undertake the detailed design of this project.

"Whilst there still remains a lot of work to be done, the signing of this contract signifies a critical point in this project and is representative of council's commitment to providing high quality water to the residents of Werris Creek."

The mayor said construction was set to begin within six months after the design work was finished.

Up to 80 full-time jobs are expected to be created through the two-year construction period.

Cr Hawkins said the final funding deeds were signed in late 2019 and since then extensive investigation and sampling had taken place to ensure the project could meet the needs of the community now and into the future.

"The linking of the eight gigalitre Quipolly Dam and council's aquifers, will provide a high level of water security to our shire, and provides enough supply for new industrial opportunities that may arise, particularly following the establishment of the Namoi Regional Jobs Precinct," he said.

"This project is the culmination of a body of work that commenced in 2007 to secure council's water supply against drought."

This strategic project is funded by $10 million from the federal government's Community Development Grant and $10 million from the state government's Safe and Secure Water Program and provides for the replacement of approximately $24 million of council's aging water assets.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: