A landmark AUD 52.9 million water infrastructure project is set to transform the Mid North Coast of New South Wales (Australia), with major funding now secured for a new state-of-the-art filtration plant to treat raw water from the Steuart McIntyre Dam and Sherwood Borefield. The project will improve water quality and security across Kempsey, Frederickton, Smithtown, and Gladstone.
The initiative is backed by AUD 12.5 million from the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund, AUD 13.2 million from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Water Program, and AUD 27.1 million from Kempsey Shire Council. The new facility will have the capacity to treat 12 megalitres (ML) per day and potential for an additional 10 ML in the future.
The plant will treat raw water from the Steuart McIntyre Dam and Sherwood Borefield, addressing long-standing water quality and supply issues. Key infrastructure includes new pumps, raw and clear water storage tanks, an emergency lagoon, and advanced treatment technology integrated with existing systems.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said “This upgrade is about more than delivering critical water infrastructure, it’s a cost of living measure that will benefit the community long term.”
NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson said the project is “a game changer” for the region, adding, “We learnt valuable lessons from the last drought, and this project makes sure the region is more resilient and better prepared to face future challenges.”
Kempsey Shire Council Mayor Kinne Ring said “We are committed to providing clean and reliable drinking water that protects the health of communities and minimises impacts on the environment. This project delivers on that, and more for the community.”
Construction begins mid-2025 and is expected to take 18 months, enhancing drought resilience, reducing emissions, and improving public health outcomes for more than 18,000 residents.
