Underground horizontal directional drilling will be used to establish the route for a new water main line undertaken by City of Coffs Harbour.
The initiative will provide greater surety that northern residents have safe drinking water at the turn of a tap.
At its meeting on 29 January, the Coffs Council voted to proceed with works to duplicate the main water main between the Mullaway Reservoir and a point near Wiigulga Sports Complex in West Woolgoolga.
The existing 40-year-old water main is currently the sole connector for residents north of Woolgoolga and this was identified as a vulnerability in a 2021-22 Coffs Harbour Water Supply Master Plan.
“By putting a second water main in play we will build resilience into the network supply system,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“Being underground and out-of-sight, water mains are something often taken for granted in built-up areas — yet they are vital infrastructure and this is an investment in a critical service.”
The 2.3-kilometre stretch of a new main line represents Stage 1 of a project that will eventually see the pipe run all the way to Corindi.
“The existing trunk water main is the sole source of potable water supply to the Northern part of the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area, so a significant issue or break in this could leave residents without a town water supply,” City Infrastructure Director Andrew Beswick said.
“The new line will run largely through the road reserve of Solitary Islands Way and Tramway Drive, including some rocky areas, and will be established mostly by underground horizontal directional drilling with some short sections of open trenching.”
Council resolved to award the contract to Ledonne Construction Pty Ltd for the lump sum amount of $1,901,278 excluding GST following a competitive tender process.
Practical completion of the works is expected by July, weather permitting.