A Federal Government allocation of up to $9.6 million to the Nabiac borefield and water treatment plant project has been welcomed by MidCoast Water.

The funding for the project, which has been allocated as part of the $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund, was announced as part of the Federal Government budget.

The Nabiac borefield project has been a long term goal for MidCoast Water, with designs already completed and work underway on preliminary construction activities on the site.

Acting general manager Brendan Guiney said the news of the Federal funding was very welcome.

“We have been working hard on lobbying both levels of government to source additional funding to allow us to be able to deliver this important project to our community, so we are very pleased with the Federal Government’s announcement,” Mr Guiney said.

“I’d also like to thank Regional Development Australia and the Manning Economic Development Partnership Board for their support in the preparation of funding submissions.”

The Nabiac borefield project will provide the community with several significant advantages, including a diversity of supply in the event of problems with the Manning source, additional capacity, lower pumping costs to Forster and Tuncurry and will reduce the demand on Bootawa Dam.

“We believe this project will have a positive impact on the local economy and provide the potential for employment opportunities with the use of local sub-contractors on the project.

“Securing good quality, reliable water supplies for our community is more important than ever in the current climactic conditions,” Mr Guiney added.

MidCoast Water has been steadily working on the $32 million project for some time, with almost $20 million still required to complete the project.

“As such the announcement that funds are being made available by the Federal Government through their National Stronger Regions Fund is very welcome.”