Upper Hunter Shire Council is calling for tenders for the detailed design and construction of the pipeline, with the application process to close on February 14 2019.

The 40 kilometre pipeline from Scone will provide Murrurundi with a secure water source from Lake Glenbawn.

Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen, who lobbied successfully for the 2015 project funding when he was Mayor of Upper Hunter Shire, said the pipeline will supercharge the town’s future. 

“This is a game-changer for Murrurundi, and one which I am very proud to have helped achieve for our Murrurundi Community,” he said. 

“I am looking forward to seeing the first pipes go into the ground and the first flow of plentiful clean water into our local homes, schools, businesses and community facilities”.

The pipeline includes pumping stations and outlets at Parkville, Wingen and Blandford along the route, allowing those villages to be supplied with reticulated water in the future.

The pipeline will ensure the community has a reliable, clean water supply that will see them through drought conditions and allow for further growth and development.

The project is estimated to cost $14.2 million, with over $13 million in funding provided by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Water Security for Regions program. The remainder of the project funding is provided by Council.

Murrurundi has a long history of water insecurity when the Pages River runs dry. The current drought has resulted in the highest level water restrictions, in place since July 2018. Council has recently installed an emergency water bore, which is only just covering essential needs.

The pipeline is expected to be completed in 2020.