THE State Government’s commitment of $7m to the Cowarra Water Treatment Plant has been described as “great news” by Port Macquarie Hastings Mayor Adam Roberts.
It’s also been welcomed by Liberal MP for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer and Nationals MP for Oxley Michael Kemp.
The funding, delivered through the latest round of the Low Cost Loans Initiative (LCLI), will help Council progress construction of the $152 million facility in the Cowarra State Forest.
The infrastructure project is the largest in Council’s history.
“As we continue to grow rapidly, with an expected population of more than 100,000 by 2035, expanding key infrastructure such as the Cowarra Water Treatment Plant is vital for our long-term water security,” Cr Roberts said.
“[It forms] a key component of a multi million-dollar investment in water and sewer infrastructure planned across the region over the next 10 years.”
Mr Dwyer said the funding announcement followed productive discussions with Premier Chris Minns.
“I met with the Premier to outline the importance of this project, as well as the Thrumster Wastewater Scheme, Wrights Road and the $265 million Hospital upgrade,” he said.
“As one of the fastest-growing communities in NSW, it is critical that we continue to invest in infrastructure that keeps pace with demand.
“This funding will help fast-track the delivery of new residential developments and ensure our region remains a great place to live and work.”
Mr Kemp also noted the importance of the Cowarra project for local communities.
“Once completed, the upgraded water treatment plant, located within the Oxley electorate, will provide a more reliable and improved supply of drinking water to residents across the Hastings and Wauchope communities.”
The project has been declared State Significant Infrastructure by the NSW Government.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said this is designed to remove barriers to growth.
“We’re helping councils bring forward more new homes by cutting borrowing costs and accelerating…delivery,” he said.
“By investing in the infrastructure that growing communities need, we’re creating more opportunities for people to live and work in regional NSW.”
The LCLI is a competitive program open to 95 regional councils, with the NSW Government covering 50 percent of interest costs on eligible loans.
Once complete, the Cowarra plant will deliver filtered drinking water to Sancrox, Thrumster, Port Macquarie, Lake Cathie, Bonny Hills and Camden Haven, supporting both existing communities and future housing developments.
By Sis HIGGINS
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