Mullumbimby future water supply secured
Published on 20 August 2024
The future of Mullumbimby’s water supply has been decided, with Byron Shire Council voting for a permanent, full connection to the regional water supply operated by Rous County Council.
The decision means Mullumbimby’s water supply will in future be drawn from the regional supply that currently provides water to the rest of Byron Shire, as well as Ballina, Lismore, and Casino.
Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway, said permanent, full connection to the regional water supply was the option recommended by water management consultants and Byron Shire Council staff, based on environmental, economic, and social assessments.
“The consultant’s report found that Mullumbimby’s water demand will continue to rise with development and population growth and the current water supply would not meet forecast demand without the potential for more frequent and severe water restrictions,” Mr Holloway said.
“Connecting to the regional supply provides significant benefits compared to maintaining the local supply in Mullumbimby.
“These include lower impact on the local environment, lower ongoing energy consumption and reduced infrastructure work, meaning a better outcome for use of ratepayer funds.”
Mullumbimby’s current water supply comes from Lavertys Gap weir, which was built in the 1920s, and flows through an open channel to the Mullumbimby Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which was built in 1940.
The existing system was assessed as unable to provide secure supply beyond 2027.
At the Ordinary Council Meeting on Thursday, 15 August, Council considered two main options for Mullumbimby: connection to the regional network or continuing to use Lavertys Gap and supplementing it with a 200ML off-stream storage dam and new water treatment plant.
Updated costings for the 30-year total construction and operation for each option showed the connection to the regional network would cost Council approximately $90 million, while the off-stream storage option would cost Council approximately $128 million.
The timing of Mullumbimby’s connection to the regional network has not yet been determined. In the interim, minor upgrade works will be carried out on the Mullumbimby WTP.
The weir and channel are listed on the NSW State Heritage Register and the Mullumbimby WTP has local heritage significance. Council will investigate options for the long-term management of these structures following their decommissioning.
At Thursday’s meeting, Councillors also resolved to commit to continued supply of reticulated drinking water to a number of properties that are currently connected to the main between the Mullumbimby WTP and the Azalea Street reservoir.
Council also voted to maintain the extraction licence at Lavertys Gap reservoir to preserve options for future use of the resource.