Control of water supply the Council show-stopper
Confidential report underlines delicate negotiations for Coffs/Clarence water security
Coffs Harbour
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Negotiations over one of the most critical issues for the Coffs Harbour and Clarence regions could be finally coming to head.
We might finally take control of our own water supply.
Currently, the Regional Water Supply Scheme which provides both local government areas with water via the Shannon Creek Dam is dependent upon water from the Nymboida River.
READ MORE: Is the Coffs/Clarence water supply up for sale?
However, key pieces of infrastructure and the Water Extraction Licence which enables water to be taken from the river lies with Essential Energy.
This afternoon Coffs Harbour councillors will debate a secret recommendation based on a confidential report outlining recent progress made with Essential Energy regarding the potential transfer of key water assets.
READ MORE: ‘OPTIMISTIC’: Councils to continue talks over water supply
While little is known about the negotiations, the vote comes at a critical time after meeting minutes tabled at a Clarence Valley Council meeting last September indicated Essential Energy might look to sell the assets to a private buyer.
Critical to the region’s water supply are the Water Extraction Licence, the Nymboida Weir and a tunnel which transports water to Regional Water Supply infrastructure.
READ MORE: No more questions: Key players tight-lipped on water supply
Central to the issue has been the Nymboida power station, which has lay dormant since it was significantly damaged in 2013, as CVC have previously indicated they have little interest in taking on the historic building.
It is understood Essential Energy have a preference to sell all the assets together and previously stated they have an obligation to ensure a “fair and equitable opportunity” for interested parties to attain the them.
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