Town water consumers, recreational fishers and boating enthusiasts alike will be pleased to hear that work is underway on the new Tenterfield Water Treatment Plant at Tenterfield Dam.
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The existing ageing plant struggled to deal with low dam levels during the drought and with the ash debris from nearby bushfires. It has also been cited as the reason the dam couldn't be opened up to more recreational activities.
NSW Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey joined Tenterfield Mayor Peter Petty early Wednesday morning to ceremoniously turn the first sod on the new installation.
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Tenterfield's new water treatment plant is being made possible by $7 million worth of funding, through the NSW Government's Safe and Secure Water Program," Mrs Pavey said.
"Tenterfield is the northern gateway to New England and a growing tourist town so it's essential we work with council to provide the community with the increased confidence to continue developing.
"The current water treatment plant was constructed in 1930 and while updates have been made over the years, it's now time to replace the plant with a more modern, reliable system that can support the town's continued growth.
"While the recent rains have boosted local water supply across regional NSW, now is not the time to be complacent. We need to use the precious gift of time these rain events have given us to prepare and plan for the future, building the infrastructure and systems required to future-proof regional communities against drought."
Mayor Petty said the community is looking forward to the project progressing over the coming months.
"We're incredibly grateful to the government for this funding commitment which, allowed us to begin work on this vital infrastructure project for Tenterfield," he said.
"The new water treatment plant will deliver secure supply of safe drinking water to the community for long into the future and that provides reassurance to the people of Tenterfield."
The Commonwealth Government is co-funding the project by providing $2.65 million.
The new water treatment plant is under construction adjacent to the existing plant and includes scope to allow for separate treatment of bore water if necessary.
