A $400,000 business case partnership between the Federal and NSW Governments and Orange City Council is set to explore the feasibility of a purified recycled water treatment demonstration plant for Orange, in a bid to prove another option for long-term water security in the state’s Central West.
The proposed plant will use cutting-edge technology to treat and recycle wastewater to an extremely high standard that will be used by the Cadia Gold Mine for industrial purposes. It’s estimated the plant will produce approximately 3.5 megalitres of water per day, which is approximately a quarter of the city of Orange’s daily needs.
“This $400,000 investment is a bold step toward increasing water security for the Central West, offering a pioneering solution to the region’s water challenges. The collaboration highlights the Albanese Government’s commitment to innovative infrastructure solutions that improve resilience in the face of climate challenges,” said NSW Senator, Deborah O’Neill.
“It’s exciting to see the Albanese Government’s National Water Grid Fund supporting Orange’s water security future. It’s another example of how Federal and State Labor governments are working together to support communities in regional NSW.”
“The proposed purified recycled water treatment plant will not only help secure a sustainable water supply for industrial use at Cadia Gold Mine but also serve as a vital demonstration of how this technology can support the region’s long-term water needs. The investment reflects our dedication to finding practical, forward-thinking solutions that benefit local communities and bolster water resilience across New South Wales.”
A learning centre is also in scope to be built alongside the demonstration plant to enable locals to visit and get a better understanding of the benefits of recycled water and how the process works.
If approved, the plant will be the second groundbreaking water security solution for the region following the introduction of stormwater harvesting in 2009 which can deliver up to a quarter of the town’s water needs.
“Orange has proven it’s on the front foot when it comes to water solutions, such as our award-winning stormwater harvesting scheme – we’ve always been forward thinking when it comes to looking at alternative ways to secure and use water,” said Orange Mayor, Tony Mileto.
“We’re looking forward to becoming the first regional city in NSW to look at trialing purified recycled water to safeguard our resources, and ensure our community is in a stronger position to withstand the next drought.
“Because of our experience using stormwater harvesting for potable use, survey results show that residents are open to exploring the use of using recycled water, and having a demonstration plant will enable them to see how the technology works up close and in action,” he said.
The funding for the preliminary business case includes $200,000 from the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund, $100,000 from the NSW Government and $100,000 from Orange City Council.
Work will begin shortly and is expected to be complete by June.
