Kempsey Shire Council will upgrade three of its major water and wastewater facilities to reduce electricity costs, energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions.
The energy upgrades project will deliver solar generation, battery storage and energy-efficiency improvements at the existing Steuart McIntyre Dam treatment facility, South West Rocks Water Treatment Plant and South West Rocks Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The upgrades are expected to reduce electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions while improving the efficiency of Council’s water and wastewater facilities.
The $693,200 project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Kempsey Shire Council, with the Australian Government providing $346,600 through the Community Energy Upgrades Fund Round 2 and Council contributing a further $346,600.
Kempsey Mayor Cr Kinne Ring said the investment was about making essential community infrastructure more efficient while reducing Council’s ongoing operating costs.
“Water and wastewater treatment facilities are significant energy users, so reducing the amount of electricity they need makes good financial and environmental sense,” Cr Ring said.
“This is another practical part of our broader investment in modernising Kempsey’s water and sewer infrastructure and making sure these essential services are well placed to serve our community into the future.”
Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan MP said the project was a practical example future proofing existing infrastructure while maximising efficiencies.
“Water and wastewater facilities are the building blocks of healthy town planning and require significant ongoing investment not only to maintain but also to allow for growth,” Mr Conaghan said.
“It’s great to see that Kempsey Shire Council is making sure that every dollar counts. With budgets tight and energy costs climbing every year, this joint investment represents ongoing value for money for both the ratepayer and the taxpayer. Win, win!”
The project forms part of Council’s broader $270 million investment in modernising water and sewer infrastructure across the Kempsey Shire.
The upgrades will reduce peak electricity demand and improve energy security, while new monitoring and control systems will give Council greater visibility over energy use and opportunities for further improvements.
Planning and design are underway, with construction, commissioning and proof of performance scheduled to be completed by December 2027.
This project received grant funding from the Australian Government. Kempsey Shire Council is contributing the remaining project funding.
