Clarence’s Rushforth Water Treatment Plant Upgrade taking shape, now estimated to cost $67 million
Clarence residents have been given three more weeks to comment on the planned $67 million Rushforth Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, which is set to combat water quality woes.
Grafton
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Rsidents of the Clarence have been given three more weeks to comment on the proposed $67 million Rushforth Water Treatment Plant Upgrade, which is set to combat water quality woes.
Clarence Valley Council is seeking state and Federal planning approval to upgrade the plant about 6km southwest of Grafton to fix water quality, as well as boost capacity and water security.
It comes as the locals in the area have continually reported discoloured tap water, which tastes and smells bad. The upgrade plans were submitted late last year.
Now, an environmental-impact statement (EIS) is on public exhibition on the NSW Planning Portal website until November 27.
Amid the drinking water quality issues, exacerbated by natural disasters, more time has been given for locals to have a say.
The treatment plant has been operating for more than a century and the council states work would include the development and installation of flocculation tanks, a dissolved air flotation and filtration treatment facility and associated infrastructure, like roads and an electrical switch room.
“The purpose of these upgrades is to assist in the removal of solids, suspended soils and other potential contaminants from the water supply,” according to the council.
“The site would continue to operate throughout any upgrades with minimal disruptions to existing operations.”
The plant site at 701 Rushforth Road is already being used for water treatment and construction is proposed in the area west of a 100 megalitre water reservoir.
Currently, the plant treats raw water from the Nymboida River and Shannon Creek Dam and receives about 680 litres per second. It can supply about 51 megalitres of potable water daily.
The plant is crucial for supplying water to Grafton, Ulmarra, Maclean, Iluka, Yamba, Brooms Head, and smaller villages.
If the estimated $66,681,982 project is greenlit, construction would likely take about 18 months, starting July 2026
An community information session will be held at the council’s Grafton chambers at 2 Prince Street from 4:30pm to 6:30pm on Wednesday, November 6.
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