An affordable, secure and environmentally sustainable water supply

The North Coast region offers an attractive climate and lifestyle - demands on our natural resources must be carefully managed to protect our environment and at the same time provide the services to support the people living in our developing area. The separate water supply schemes that now service the Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour need to be upgraded to ensure a reliable, secure supply during drought and our natural river systems need to be protected by not taking water during low flows.

Extensive technical studies, investigation of alternative water sources, ecological studies and a comprehensive community consultation program culminated in the selection of a preferred regional water supply strategy in July 1997. The strategy has since been the subject of an Environmental Impact Statement, a Threatened Species Impact Statement, an independent Environmental Commission of Inquiry an inquiry by the Healthy Rivers Commission and a review in October 2004 requestred by the Minister for Energy and Utilities

On 22nd March 2000 the Regional Water Supply received the go-ahead to proceed to construction, and tenders for construction of the first section of pipeline, 62.5km from the "CrossOver" near Coutts Crossing to Karangi Dam, closed on 14th May 2002. Construction commenced in June 2002, with that section of the pipeline operational before Christmas 2002. The new stage 1B pipeline from Nymboida towards Rushforth Road Reservoir was contructed during 2003-2004 and is now operational.

Advice from the Minister for Land and Water Conservation in July 2002 confirmed that State Government funding will be brought forward, allowing completion of the Project piplines and Shannon Creek Storage in 2005, approximately two years ahead of previous indications.

A map showing the water supply area, and a brief outline of the regional water supply, are available on this website.

In addition to the Clarence Valley & Coffs Harbour regional scheme, North Coast Water has the Copmanhurst water supply. Copmanhurst Village is located approx 30km north-west of Grafton and is now linked to the North Coast Water supply system, Construction of the 19.5km of pipeline commenced in April 2002 and was completed well ahead of schedule and within budget. The official opening of the Copmanhurst Water Supply Upgrading was held on 24th May 2002.

Details of various aspects of the regional project including the pipeline transfer system and Shannon Creek Storage; and Copmanhurst Water Supply, are included in public information brochures in the Newsletters & Flyers section of this website.