MUNGINDI and Bundarra’s town drinking water supply has received a much-needed boost with Moree Plains Shire Council and Uralla Shire Council included in $2 million of water infrastructure funding.

Both councils will receive $150,000 each from Advanced Operational Support – Town Water Risk Reduction Program phase 2 for engineering and technical support to improve water operations.

The initiative is supporting local water utilities with hands-on technical training to optimise existing water treatment plants and extend the lifespan of these essential assets.

There has been more than $10 million invested in the AOS program, including $4.1 million in direct grants to local water utilities.

Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan said the funding will extend the lifespan of water infrastructure and assets.

“Safe and reliable drinking water is a basic right and investment in water infrastructure to secure a long-term supply is vital for our small communities,” Mr Moylan said.

“The Advanced Operational Support funding will provide councils and communities with on-site assistance, training and advice to help current operators improve their skills and manage water quality to keep it flowing.

“The program assists in improving public health and safety by ensuring these operators have the knowledge and ability to reduce water quality risks.

“This will ensure those communities have a dependable supply of drinking water.”

Under this phase of the program, participating councils will benefit from engineering and technical support to give them the tools and skills they need to improve water operations, saving tens of thousands of dollars each year.

Grants of up to $150,000 will also support a range of projects at water treatment plants, including installing new monitoring equipment for 24-hour water quality oversight, upgrading filtration and treatment systems to improve water purity and implementing high-tech automated systems to enable councils to respond faster to potential water quality issues.

AOS is part of the $52.8 million Town Water Risk Reduction Program, which has provided support to local water utilities across regional NSW addressing issues including water quality, dam safety and training for utility operators.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said regional towns need a leg up to get the most out of their water treatment plants and lock-in a clean, dependable water supply.

“Infrastructure is one piece of the puzzle but on-the-ground operational support is also extremely valuable,” she said.

“This program empowers operators with the skills and knowledge they need to problem-solve and consistently deliver quality water to their communities.”