THE pipeline connecting Dungowan Dam to Chaffey Dam is reaching the final stages of the construction process.
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The final piece of the pipeline has been laid and the project is set to be officially unveiled later this month.
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the pipeline was critical to the Tamworth region's long-term water security.
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"This project has injected more than $1.3 million into the community, engaged 30 local businesses and recruited a workforce comprising one-third of local workers including tradesmen, truck drivers, fencers and heavy machine operators," Mr Anderson said.
"I want to thank the community and the construction team for their assistance and for working closely with us during these challenging times.
"This new pipeline will help build the drought resilience of a major regional hub like Tamworth that relies almost entirely on surface water supplies.
"Our goal was always to have the project complete and operational within the first couple of weeks of April.
"At this stage, that looks to be the case.
The progress comes after the appointment of an engineering and environmental advisor for the proposed Dungowan Dam project.
Nation-wide construction firm SMEC has been selected to carry out the next stage of works such as geotechnical studies.
NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey said the 18.2km pipeline project would enable water to be pumped from Chaffey Dam and delivered directly to the Calala Water Treatment Plant.
"This project was announced in June 2019, shovels were in by October 2019 and now the last piece of the puzzle will see the project completed in mid-April," Mrs Pavey said.
"This project will effectively eliminate water lost to evaporation and seepage, which occurs when delivering water via the Peel River, saving Gigalitres of critical town water supply that would have otherwise been lost.
"Tamworth relies on surface water sources, which are subject to transmission losses, especially during periods of hot and dry conditions.
"The Peel Valley remains extremely susceptible to drought conditions."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
