Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Steve Reynolds joined fellow councillor and Denman resident Amanda Barry for a whistle stop tour of Denman and Sandy Hollow recently.
Cr’s Reynolds and Barry engaged with local residents to hear to their concerns and to elicit their support in asking the State Government for further funding to progress the Denman to Sandy Hollow water pipeline project.
While Council successfully secured major funding to kick start the project in 2020, they are now lobbying the State Government to fund a $9M shortfall so as the project can be completed, ensuring a secure water supply for the villages and future industries.
Residents, including Josh Laing, owner of the Denman Hotel, the Thompson family and James Cowan, cited a secure water supply as one of their top priorities, along with economic stimulation, residential development and employment for local residents.
Robyn Thompson said that having a permanent water supply would mean they wouldn’t have to buy in water during dry periods, would provide peace of mind during bush fire season and would increase the value of their land.
Robyn Thompson - Resident“We have to buy in water once a fortnight, at $200 a time, when there is no rain. Plus, at times, we have had the Rural Fire Brigade drain our dams to fight surrounding bush fires. The future development of our parcel of land, and the resale value of our property, would be more viable if there was a permanent water supply,” Ms Thompson said.
Sandy Hollow resident James Cowan said the town needs a secure water supply.
James Cowan - Resident“The water quality is very ordinary at present and anytime a development is proposed, it is hindered by the lack of water.”
Shire councillor and local resident Brett Woodruff said Council, along with residents and potential investors, are looking forward to a partnership between the State Government and Council to fund the Denman to Sandy Hollow pipeline shortfall.
“The proposed pipeline will lay the foundation for sustaining rural residents along the corridor and ensure firefighting capabilities where little or none were available previously.
Resident and Councillor Brett Woodruff“Sandy Hollow will receive a reliable, consistent supply of potable water enabling the small community to sustain and indeed grow. This life giving service will hopefully be the staging point to cater for future extension of the pipeline to neighbouring township of Merriwa. I’m sure Government partners will be only too happy to pitch in to help provide water services to rural communities, something which our urban dwellers take for granted,” Mr Woodruff said.
Cr Amanda Barry said the proposed pipeline would open up many new opportunities for business, residents and farming communities around Denman and Sandy Hollow.
Councillor Amanda Barry“To be able to provide a reliable water source, especially after our recent drought, will be a fantastic achievement and I am excited to see what the future will bring,” she said.
Cr Reynolds said Council, who were awarded $18.9M from the NSW Government’s Growing Local Economies fund for the project, believes that the completed pipeline will allow local businesses to expand their operations, open the door to new agribusiness opportunities and create hundreds of local jobs.
Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Steve Reynolds“Completing the pipeline will deliver water security to residents and, for prospective investors, provide housing opportunities and even more reason to invest in the Shire and Upper Hunter region. Council has worked diligently to fulfil the challenging conditions attached to the original Growing Local Economies funding and is calling on the State Government to fund the shortfall so as we can complete this important project,” he said.
