Byron Council has begun moving ahead with its plan to create a hybrid water supply scheme for Mullumbimby.
Late last year, the decades-long debate over the future of the town’s water supply was seemingly resolved, with councillors deciding on a scheme in which water would come from both the local Lavertys Gap weir and the Rous County Council (RCC)regional supply.
Council staff have now begun the planning process for the hybrid scheme.
In an update presented to and endorsed by the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee on February 26, staff indicated that a key operational principle of the scheme was that the two water sources would remain physically separated within the network.
Staff said this approach was needed in order to reduce water quality risks and support regulatory compliance by allowing clearer monitoring and management of each supply.
Under early planning for the scheme, permanent connection to the Rous regional network would supply the vast majority of the town – serving approximately 1,770 water connections via the Azalea Street reservoir.
The Lavertys Gap weir would supply the 13 rural properties in Wilsons Creek connected directly to the trunk main, and approximately 90 water connections via the Left Bank Road reservoir.
However, before any final decision is made, Council plans to carry out a series of technical studies to determine whether the project is feasible.
These investigations will examine regulatory requirements, the amount of water that could reliably be supplied from Lavertys Gap weir, possible locations and capacity for a new treatment plant, and the planning approvals required.
Financially viable
The studies will also help Council determine whether the project stacks up financially.
As the report notes, the work will help identify ‘what is the business case for the scheme, and what are the financial implications to Council and the community’.
The investigation phase is expected to cost around $220,000, covering specialist consultant studies, staff time and contingencies.
Work has already begun, with Council establishing a project control group and beginning discussions with state regulators, including NSW Health and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Council staff say these early conversations are aimed at identifying potential regulatory issues before the project progresses further.
Consultants are also being engaged to undertake a secure yield assessment of Lavertys Gap weir, which will determine how much water the source could reliably provide to the town.
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