Water Security Strategy

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Council report resolutions regarding staging are as follows (some are in closed session). Note each of these reports contain reference to recommended staging to Councillors, however resolutions relate to the recommendations only which are specific to purpose of the report.

1. Resolution 74/22 – IWCM Strategy – Water Security Assessment and Options Evaluation Report (OCM Report 23 March 2022 – Open Session)
2. Resolution 220/22 – Water Security Project – Funding commitment for pre-construction works with Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) through Safe and Secure Water Program (SSWP) (OCM 26 October 2022 Closed Session. Resolution is read out and on public record)
3. Resolution 52/24 – Engagement of The Stable Pty Ltd for Water Security Funding Strategy and Business Cases (OCM 27 March 2024 - Closed Session. However, resolution is read out and on public record)
4. March Resolution 156/24 – National Water Grid (NWG) Funding Application – Armidale Water Security Strategy-Detailed Business Case (OCM 24 July 2024 – Closed Session. Resolution is read out and on public record)

Sequence of events to date:

Armidale experienced its driest and warmest year on record in 2019. Level 3 water restrictions were enforced across the entire Local Government Area in April 2019 and level 5 restrictions were introduced in October 2019 and were not eased until September 2020.

In March 2020 PWA were appointed to assist Council in identifying options to upgrade the storage capacity of Malpas Dam, taking into account the requirements of Australian National Committee On Large Dams (ANCOLD) and Dams Safety New South Wales. Public Works Advisory (PWA) were asked to provide options and cost estimates to upgrade the dam by raising the water level in Malpas Reservoir by 3.0 and 6.49 metres respectively and identify: -
• The preferred options to achieve the required increase in reservoir water levels from an engineering perspective and
• Any environmental and/or social issues that will need to be addressed.

At the Ordinary Council Meeting (OCM) 26 May 2021, Council adopted Resolution 220/21-part d) That Council ‘Adopt the recommendation from Public Works Advisory and Council staff to proceed with the option to raise the Malpas Dam spillway by 6.49metres (plus associated works).’

Upon further analysis by PWA, it was discovered/determined that the raising of Malpas Dam would not be enough, yielding only 80 percent of what the LGA requires (current demand) during times of drought. Therefore, work commenced on finding alternative water sources. Armidale region’s water supply has since been assessed by the NSW Government Safe and Secure Water Program (SSWP) at the highest (Category 5) water security risk. State and local plans all recognise the need for greater water security to sustain the Armidale Region's water supply, including the growing workforce for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (NEREZ) and other industries. 

At the OCM held 23 March 2022 (Open Session), Council considered a report regarding Armidale Regional Council (ARC) Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM) Strategy. Council adopted Resolution 74/22-

Part c) Adopt the recommendation from Public Works Advisory and Council staff to proceed with the development of options one and two being;
Oaky River Dam 25ML/Day + 6.5metre raising of Malpas
Styx River Dam 25ML/Day + 6.5metre raising of Malpas
Part d) That Council ‘Note that, following adoption of recommended options, Council staff along with PWA will commence the preparation of a business case.’

The Strategy now proposes to remediate Oaky River Dam, construct a water transfer system (pipeline) from Oaky River Dam to the existing Armidale water treatment plant, raise Malpas Dam wall by 6.49m and upgrade 8km of the existing Malpas-Armidale pipeline.

At the OCM held 27 March 2024, Council considered a report regarding the continued engagement of The Stable Pty Ltd. Council adopted Resolution 52/24-part a) That Council ‘Endorse the continued engagement of The Stable Pty Ltd to deliver a Regional Water Security Funding Strategy and Business cases,’
This engagement was to assist council in applying for grant funding in the 2024/2025 financial year, with the ARC allocation put aside in the 2024-2025 Operational Budget. 

On the 13 May 2024, funding was announced through the National Water Grid (NWG) Fund 2024 - Round 2. Access to this funding would be by application only.  Council applied to develop a detailed business case, and to undertake the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process to progress implementation of Armidale Region’s Water Security Strategy. This application was first submitted for review to the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), before being submitted by the department to NWG for funding on 30 June 2024. 

To date, ARC has not received feedback from NWG as to if they have been successful in their application.

 

Armidale Region Water Security Strategy - FAQs

What is a regional water security strategy?

The communities of the Armidale region are vulnerable to the impacts of droughts and climate change. The council’s number one priority is to secure the water supply This was evident during the 2019 drought when Armidale almost ran out of water despite careful management of its water supply and demand. The NSW Government has assessed the region’s water supply at the highest water security risk category. 

The Armidale Regional Water Security Strategy provides the framework for delivering water infrastructure to sustain the region’s population today.

What is proposed under the regional water security strategy?

Delivery of the Armidale Regional Water Security Strategy will be staged and involve:

  • Remediating Oaky River Dam and constructing a new pipeline between Oaky River Dam and the existing Armidale water treatment plant (WTP)
  • Raising Malpas Dam spillway by 6.5 m and upgrading the pipeline between Malpas Dam and Armidale WTP
  • Upgrading water treatment plants
  • Improving catchment management.

 

What alternatives were considered?

Expert analysis has identified that Armidale LGA has only 60 percent of what is required to service its current population before water restrictions are once again enforced. To prevent a perpetual cycle of restrictions and to mitigate their severity, least 40 options were investigated to secure additional water supply for the region. These are described in technical reports by NSW Public Works and Beca HunterH2O. Options included consideration of surface water, groundwater, recycled effluent, managed aquifer recharge, rainwater and stormwater. The options analysis also considered climate change scenarios. On this basis, Council has adopted several resolutions (unanimously) to pursue Oaky Dam due to the raising of the Malpas spillway only capable of achieving 80 percent (from 60percent) of what is needed for our current population, let alone any headroom for population growth.

Will we need to increase water supply even if there's no increase in population?

Yes. Armidale needs additional secure the water supply for the current population. This was evident during the 2019-20 drought when Armidale almost ran out of water despite demand management efforts. The Regional Water Security Strategy will focus on improving water security for the existing population.

Why is Oaky Dam being considered first before raising the wall on Malpas Dam?

Malpas Dam is Armidale’s existing main water source. Recent engineering studies by NSW Public Works determined that securing Armidale’s water supply from Oaky Dam would be the better option. This is due to a number of factors that see the Oaky River catchment collecting a greater volume of water, more frequently, and out pacing the collection capability of Malpas. Malpas Dam is larger, however its catchment collects less water. Oaky Dam is smaller, yet its catchment can collect a greater volume of water, filling more often and providing a greater secure yield. There is an additional secondary benefit of having an alternate water source in place before water levels are lowered to allow work on the Malpas Dam spillway addressing a significant risk. This staged approach will maintain uninterrupted water supply and reduce the risk of Armidale running out of water if there is another big drought at the time of construction.

What has Armidale Regional Council done so far and what happens next?

Work to secure the Armidale Region’s water supply commenced during the drought and has not stopped. This is a huge undertaking governed by the NSW Government with many steps that council must meet to ensure we put our best foot forward when applying for funding through both the State and Federal Governments. [Refer to the timeline.]

What if Council, in consultation with the community, decided to see funding to increase the Malpas Dam wall first before undertaking the work on Oaky Dam?

Councillors can elect to overturn resolutions and stage it differently, however this would be contrary to the expert advice which has water security as the primary objective.

Will the community be consulted about projects proposed under the water security strategy?

Yes. Community engagement is an important part of delivering this strategy and associated proposed projects. Community consultation will be conducted in accordance with NSW Government and Armidale Regional Council guidelines.

What is the status of the $27 Million the former member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced towards the raising of the Malpas Dam spillway?

In the NSW Government Business papers located on their website Member of the Legislative Assembly The Hon. Aileen MacDonald OAM on 11 July 2024 asked a series of questions to the NSW Government Minister for Water The Hon. Rose Jackson. The Minister indicated:
“The NSW Government has all options on the table in relation to proposed water projects. I have been advised that the former Coalition Government entered a funding deed in relation to Malpas Dam on 2 March 2023, one day before the former Government went into caretaker mode.
“While the local member announced funding of $27 million for the raising of Malpas Dam spillway, there was no allocation for this in the 2022-23 Budget.”