The recently finished project is expected to boost liveability and make dependence on rainwater and septic tanks a thing of the past. Photos: NSW Government.
Nelligen residents can breathe easy following the completion of a $26 million project delivering them access to a central water supply and sewerage system.
The new infrastructure will improve the reliability and quality of water and wastewater services for the town’s 400 residents, while also boosting water security. It’s also connected Nelligen to existing water and sewer infrastructure in Batemans Bay.
A large part of the funding was provided from Eurobodalla Shire Council ($22.5 million) with a smaller injection from the NSW Government ($3.5 million).
Eurobodalla Shire Council Mayor Matthew Hatcher said the project’s completion signalled a new chapter in the village’s history.
“Collecting and storing enough rainwater can be hard and we know there are properties in the area that don’t have suitable space or proper soil for their own on-site sewage disposal, so this project is a substantial change for residents and visitors,” he said.
“We’re so pleased to have had the NSW Government’s support to complete this monumental project that enables residents and visitors to consistently have access to the shire’s drinking water, while ensuring that sewage is treated appropriately off-site.”
Leed Engineering and Construction teams build one of the large concrete water reservoirs at Nelligen. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
In the past, Nelligen was completely dependent on rainwater tanks and water carting, while onsite septic tanks were used to manage wastewater. But after five years of work through bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, the scheme is complete.
There are now 15 km of pipelines, a pump station and two reservoirs to transfer water to homes and provide adequate supply for firefighting – especially during periods of high demand.
The scheme has also delivered 8 km of sewer rising main, a pump station and a reticulation system that will collect sewage from 160 individual properties.
NSW DCCEEW Executive Director of Infrastructure Development Lisa Hingerty said it was part of the State Government’s effort to ensure safe and secure water supply to regional areas.
“Having to rely on rainwater tanks is extremely unpredictable, especially in the hotter months and with climate change in the mix,” she said. “Outdated septic tanks are not great for the environment and require a lot of maintenance at the expense of the property owner.
“Getting this modern water and wastewater infrastructure across the finish line will significantly improve day-to-day life for locals and help future proof services so they’re set up for the coming decades, which is a massive win for the community.”
Further information can be found at Eurobodalla Shire Council.
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