The NSW Government has announced that it will invest $145 million to fund the repair and upgrade of critical water and sewerage infrastructure damaged in the natural disaster zones across the Northern Rivers.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said work will include permanent repairs to water and sewerage systems that were damaged in the floods, as well as upgrades that will help futureproof this critical infrastructure.
‘We are working with the hardest-hit communities of Ballina, Byron, Lismore, Kyogle, Richmond Valley, Tweed Shire, and Clarence Valley, as well as Rous County Council, to repair this critical water infrastructure,’ Mr Toole said.
‘Heavy rain and flooding caused widespread damage to water and sewerage systems in these locations and now we are getting on with the job of bringing this essential infrastructure back to full capacity.’
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said that water supply and wastewater infrastructure services had been impacted by flooding, land slips, power failures and dirty contaminated water.
‘This funding will get services back to full capacity because the health of the community is dependent on the safe and continuous operation of water and sewerage systems,’ he said.
‘It will also involve repairs to pump stations and electrical switchboards across several council areas in the Northern Rivers.’
The eight councils to benefit are:
- Lismore City Council – new East Lismore wastewater treatment plant and new flood secure pump stations
- Richmond Valley Council – water and sewerage infrastructure repairs, incl. treatment works
- Ballina Shire Council – repairs to wastewater treatment plant and pump stations
- Tweed Shire Council – water and sewerage infrastructure repairs
- ROUS County Council – water infrastructure repairs
- Clarence Valley Council – water and sewerage infrastructure repairs
- Byron Shire Council – water and sewerage infrastructure repairs
- Kyogle Council – water and sewerage infrastructure repairs
The program will also work with Aboriginal communities and Local Aboriginal Land Councils to better understand the impact that the natural disaster has had on critical water and sewerage services for Aboriginal communities, and identify and undertake urgent works.
The Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation has the power to work with councils to identify, prioritise and support projects that rejuvenate communities within the Northern Rivers area, with a particular emphasis on housing and supporting social infrastructure.
For more information on the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation go to: www.regional.nsw.gov.au/our work/NRRC
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