Bulk untreated water supply agreement struck leaving 20 years of water under the bridge

It’s been 20 years since the City of Coffs Harbour and Clarence Valley Council agreed to a water supply arrangement. Now, they’ve struck a new deal after a year of negotiations.

Shannon Creek Dam forms part of the water supply jointly owned and operated by neighbouring councils in Coffs Harbour and the Clarence Valley.

Coffs and Clarence councils have negotiated a 2024 Regional Water Supply Scheme, moving on from a 20-year-old agreement.

The historic 2004 Bulk Raw Water Supply Agreement was designed to ensure water supply to both local government areas.

Negotiations between the City of Coffs Harbour and Clarence Valley Council, which jointly own and operate the Nymboida Weir, Shannon Creek Dam and associated pumping stations and pipework, took 12 months.

The new agreement addresses funding, cost savings and operational plans.

The booster pump at Glenreagh was transferred from Clarence to the City of Coffs, leading to cost savings and improved maintenance procedures.

Nymboida power station and its associated storage dam along with the Karangi Dam were excluded from the agreement.

City of Coffs Harbour infrastructure director Andrew Beswick is pleased to have the Regional Water Supply Scheme up and flowing.

City of Coffs infrastructure director Andrew Beswick was involved in the negotiations and helped ensure proper funding for the Regional Water Supply Scheme and a fair allocation of costs between Coffs and Clarence councils

“The new agreement provides the commitment from both parties to future capital works such as essential tunnel infrastructure and a fishway at the Nymboida Weir,” he said.

“The agreement will also bring some administrative cost savings as the City will assume maintenance responsibility for Clarence’s Kremnos Pump Station.”

Clarence manager of technical services Greg Mashiah represented that council in the negotiations of the landmark water deal. He pointed out there was flexibility in the agreement.

“We’ve included general guidelines in the scheme’s schedule so they’re not mandatory, but they’re providing guidelines, not blind obedience,” he said.

The agreement will be reviewed by both local government organisations during the next council term.

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