Planning for construction of a new Manilla Water Treatment Plant will move to a new stage next month when Tamworth Regional Council will start the process to form a shortlist of preferred contractors to tender for the multi-million dollar facility.

Tamworth Regional Councillors at last night’s Ordinary Meeting – the final one for the year – decided to proceed to an expression of interest process next month in preparation for going to tender after March 2017.

Tamworth Region Mayor Col Murray said the project will ultimately provide a more secure water supply for

Manilla.

“The new plant means a more secure water supply for Manilla due to the improved ability to source raw

water from both the Namoi River and the Manilla River,” he said.

“The town’s main source of water is currently the Namoi with the Manilla River rarely used. Having the ability to use water from both rivers when, and if, required should decrease the number of days Manilla is on water restrictions.”

A report tabled at the meeting said the detailed design of the new plant and raw water supply is expected to be completed by the end of 2016, several months later than the original expected time.

The report explained how since work started on the detailed design in April this year Council has taken the opportunity to make improvements to provide a better solution for water delivery in Manilla but the result has been a “significantly affected the timeline” for its completion.

The design improvements include the addition of a second pump and larger pump well at the Manilla River Raw Water Pump Station and choosing a new route for the raw water supply rising main from the new Namoi River Pump Station which ahs removed potential conflict with existing infrastructure.

Funds for the new plant, which will replace the existing water treatment plant in Court Street, were provided in the 2015/16 Annual Operating Plan along with the cost of the detailed design estimated to be about

$600,000. However, the revised timeframe for the awarding of a construction contract has led to the bulk of the funds being transferred to the 2017/18 financial year.

The Council report indicated there is a “possibility’’ the tenders received for construction may be in excess of

the budgeted amounts.

“If this is the case Council will be provided with various options before making a final decision in relation to

contract award,” the report said.

The new Water Treatment Plant will have the capacity to produce up to 3.5 megalitres per day, ensuring the full range of water demand can be treated for Manilla.

Council held a public meeting in Manilla in March last year to inform residents about the project. There is a plan to provide an update to the community once the detailed design is completed.